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Written Answers Nos. 317 - 335
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Written Answers Nos. 354 - 366
Labour Market Activation Scheme
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Written Answers Nos. 922 - 931
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Written Answers Nos. 1002 - 1020
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Written Answers Nos. 1038-1053
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Written Answers Nos. 1054-1072
Written Answers Nos. 1073-1091
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Written Answers Nos. 1092-1107
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Written Answers Nos. 1126-1142
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Written Answers Nos. 1197 - 1212
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Written Answers Nos. 1213-1233
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Written Answers Nos. 1567 - 1582
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Written Answers Nos. 1583-1600
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Written Answers Nos. 1601-1617
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Written Answers Nos. 1636-1652
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Written Answers Nos. 1653-1670
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Written Answers Nos. 1671-1687
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Written Answers Nos. 1688-1705
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Written Answers Nos. 1723-1740
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Written Answers Nos. 1741-1757
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Written Answers Nos. 1758-1779
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Written Answers Nos. 1780-1792
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Written Answers Nos. 1793 - 1800
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Written Answers Nos. 1813-1833
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Written Answers Nos. 1851-1867
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Written Answers Nos. 1868-1882
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Written Answers Nos. 1920-1937
An Ceann Comhairle:
Before I call on the Minister, I remind Members that two minutes is allowed for the Minister's initial reply and four minutes overall for supplementary questions.
37. Deputy Barry Cowen
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the funding originally budgeted for the Local Government Fund in 2012; the total amount estimated to be spent in view of cuts to the grant on the basis of household charge payment rates in each local authority area; the estimated average cut to the Local Government Fund allocation in each local authority area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39116/12]
41. Deputy Brian Stanley
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
in view of the impending financial problems facing local authorities throughout the State, if he will reverse the cuts in the Local Government Fund and restore adequate funding for the provision of council services to our citizens and communities. [39373/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 41 together.
An Ceann Comhairle:
As two questions are being taken together, 12 minutes are allocated for them.
Deputy Barry Cowen:
I welcome back the Minister and thank him for his response. It is as if nothing has changed. The environment could be described as a new Angola there are that many landmines exploding throughout the country-----
Deputy Phil Hogan:
The Deputy's brother would know all about that.
Deputy Barry Cowen:
-----as a result of various actions or inactions by the Government parties on issues such as this.
An Ceann Comhairle:
Has the Deputy a question?
Deputy Barry Cowen:
-----and he is now penalising them for something that is no fault of theirs but is the result of the incoherence of his Government.
To return to the bones of my question-----
An Ceann Comhairle:
Thank you.
Deputy Barry Cowen:
-----in light of developments in recent days, is it now policy that local authorities and the Departments which hand out funding to those in need will now seek a receipt for payment of the household charge before payments are made? Is that what we have got in terms of this incoherence? Is that where this will get us to? Has nothing changed? Are we to continue with this myriad of disasters one after another?
Deputy Phil Hogan:
I wish to congratulate Deputy Cowen on his elevation to high office as Fianna Fáil spokesman for the environment and I wish him well. I hope what we have just heard will not be the way in which he will continue. He will be aware that the reason we have a household charge and a property tax is that it was negotiated by people, who would be well know to him in the Fianna Fáil Party, in November 2010. If we want to continue to have funding for our essential public services, we are obliged by the troika to meet those requirements of the EU and the IMF.
Deputy Joe Higgins:
Students do not own the houses.
Deputy Brian Stanley:
An issue arising out of this is that two of the largest local authorities in the State have passed a motion requesting the Minister to overturn this measure. In the case of Dublin City Council, it was passed unanimously, which means that Government party councillors backed the motion. I bring to the Minister's attention also that when councillors sat down to pass their budgets last year and try to carve out as best they could the moneys available to them they were not notified that the local government grant was conditional on full collection of this payment. The Minister sought to implement it in the third quarter on the day we left this building for the recess. That was a cynical move on his part. It may seem to be a clever move, and many people might smile at it, but it was a cynical move on the day the Dáil went into recess.
Deputy Joe Higgins:
It is disgraceful bullying.
Deputy Phil Hogan:
I am glad to tell Deputy Stanley that I have not issued any instruction to any local authority in regard to higher education grants, and I understand that moneys have not been withheld at this stage by Clare County Council in respect of higher education grants. I understand Clare County Council is in a position where it asked for a lot of information, not just about higher education, but issues relating to the payment of the non-principal private residence charge, water rates and commercial rates, as appropriate. It gathers information in that way. Clare County Council is doing the same as all local authorities, instructed by me, to ensure we get a higher compliance in terms of the household charge. Otherwise, they will be faced with the consequences of not having the same amount of money in their budget as they had at the earlier part of the year and having to cut their budgets. It is a matter for the local authority members and the management of the local authorities to decide to stay within their budgets. That is what one would expect any good and prudent management of a council to do. Deputy Stanley is the last man who should talk about compliance with an interim property tax like the household charge considering what his party is doing in another jurisdiction on the same island.
Deputy Barry Cowen:
The Minister mentioned "as instructed by me" so I take that as a "Yes" to Deputy Stanley's question. Can the Minister tell me if the Data Protection Commissioner has been consulted by his Department on foot of the actions of Clare County Council and, it appears, what we can expect from other councils into the future?
Deputy Phil Hogan:
I have instructed all local authorities to collect the amount of money that is outstanding, and he would expect me to do that. He would be very familiar with the charge and the reason we have it. I have asked them to stay within their budget and use whatever means to do that. The Local Government Management Agency is in constant contact, as the agents who are dealing with this charge on behalf of local authorities, with the data protection systems and I am sure it has all of the necessary compliance requirements and protocols in place.
Deputy Barry Cowen:
Has the Data Protection Commissioner been consulted?
Deputy Phil Hogan:
That is a matter for each local authority under the Act. They will discuss these issues with the Local Government Management Agency-----
Deputy Barry Cowen:
Is the Minister aware whether he has been consulted or not?
Deputy Phil Hogan:
No, I am not. I do not micro-manage local authorities.
Deputy Barry Cowen:
But the Minister is aware that-----
An Ceann Comhairle:
I call Deputy Ellis. We are out of time. Twelve minutes were spent on those two questions.
38. Deputy Dessie Ellis
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the position regarding the progress made on the implementation of the recommendations of the Pyrite report and any other work being undertaken to resolve the issue. [39326/12]
Deputy Phil Hogan:
The pyrite report, which contains 24 interrelated recommendations covering a wide range of issues, provides a comprehensive framework to enable me and the other stakeholders to make progress towards providing solutions for homeowners. Implementation of many of the recommendations requires the involvement and co-operation of a number of stakeholders and other bodies. My Department and I will be working to achieve progress on implementation of these recommendations as quickly as possible. The report recommends engagement by those stakeholders in processes which will provide solutions for homeowners. My preferred approach to solutions for homeowners is for responsible stakeholders to take ownership of this problem and work with the Department to provide an industry-led solution thereto. I have already begun a consultation process with key stakeholders and have given them until the end of September to come back to me with credible solutions. In the absence of a voluntary approach in this regard, I will have to consider an imposed solution along the lines recommended in the report in relation to the imposition of a levy.
Deputy Dessie Ellis:
I thank the Minister. It is nearly three months since the report was issued. It was a good report with many good recommendations, many of which concern levies on the building industry, the insurance bodies and other groups, such as the quarries. The levy would take a long time to build up if it came to fruition. One of the significant issues is the seriousness of the circumstances that obtain. It is estimated in the report that there are 12,000 homes affected. There is probably a lot more. They are generally private homes, not local authority homes and the others in question. There is a considerable number in addition.
Deputy Phil Hogan:
Deputy Ellis realises that the State is not liable in this matter, and there is case law to show that. I do not know why the Government would be putting money into a system in respect of which it is not liable. We are facilitating a process to help homeowners who, through no fault of their own, have been put in a difficult position arising from the pyrite problem. In the report, it is estimated that 850 dwellings currently have a claim with a guaranteed provider and need remediation immediately. There are approximately 10,300 homes that are potentially exposed according to the panel's estimation. We are developing a test, through the NSAI, to ensure we will be in a position to identify the extent of the problem among the 10,300.
Deputy Dessie Ellis:
I thank the Minister for his response. Some 850 houses are significantly damaged. The situation is so serious that urgent attention is necessary. Will the Minister stick to his September deadline and impose on the relevant parts of the industry a mechanism to deal with the issue? If legislation is required, will it be backdated? I am worried that it will be argued that what happened occurred in the past whereas everything will be okay from this point onwards.
Deputy Phil Hogan:
If I had wanted to wash my hands of this problem, I would have done so a long time ago, as the State is not liable. Thanks to the panel's expertise, I have developed a set of recommendations that I am anxious to implement on behalf of home owners. I would like to believe that the stakeholders being consulted will be positive in their responses and will table proposals. I assure the Deputy that I am determined to help home owners by imposing a solution if one is not offered voluntarily.
Deputy Dessie Ellis:
What about legislation?
Deputy Phil Hogan:
We will need to consider that matter following the responses from the stakeholders.
39. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the legal obligations for landlords in Dublin City to maintain a high standard quality of their rental accommodation, to prevent overcrowding in their properties, to prevent the dereliction of their rented accommodation internally and externally, to replace and maintain appliances in their properties for their tenants and to manage waste and dumping; the legal avenues that exist for communities and residents in Dublin Central that are having difficulties with landlords who are not addressing these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39327/12]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O'Sullivan):
Minimum standards for rental accommodation are prescribed in the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2008, made under section 18 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992. These regulations were further amended by the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) (Amendment) Regulations 2009, which expanded the definition of "a proper state of structural repair" to allow for all aspects of the internal and external appearance of a dwelling to be taken into account for the purposes of the regulations. All landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that their rented properties comply with these regulations. Responsibility for enforcing the regulations rests with the relevant local authority, supported by a dedicated stream of funding allocated by my Department.
Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan:
I wish to draw a matter to the Minister of State's attention. According to the 2011 census, more than 75% of households in north inner city Dublin were not owner occupied. Of those, approximately 70% were private rental accommodation, a significant number of which were not registered with the Private Residential Tenancies Board, PRTB.
(Speaker Continuing)
[Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan:
] It is not working and something stronger is needed. Will the Minister of State address that point?
Deputy Jan O'Sullivan:
There are significant powers so local authorities can take action with regard to both the improvement and prohibition notices. There are fines stipulated, with a maximum fine of €5,000 and €400 for each day of a continuing offence. It is probably the case that many local authorities do not take that kind of action but the powers exist.
Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan:
The existing powers are not strong enough as they are not working on the ground. I acknowledge the work of Dublin City Council, whose representatives would argue that their hands are tied. We can see the consequences at meetings with residents.
Deputy Jan O'Sullivan:
I would be very happy to take on board any suggestions that could strengthen the rights of tenants. There are certain actions that local authorities can take, although I am not sure if there are interventions in every case. We will consider any suggestions coming from any side of the House when we debate the legislation in the near future.
40. Deputy Barry Cowen
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the current timeframe for the introduction of water metering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39118/12]
Deputy Phil Hogan:
The programme for Government and the memorandum of understanding with the EU, the IMF and the ECB provide for the introduction of domestic water charges and the establishment of a State-owned water utility. The Government considers that charging for water based on usage is the fairest way and it has decided that water meters should be installed in households connected to public water supplies. International evidence has shown that where meters have been installed, significant reductions have been achieved in the level of consumption, and this is also borne out by the water savings achieved with metering in the group water sector.
Deputy Barry Cowen:
A couple of questions emanate from the Minister's answer. The timeframe seems to have been amended because earlier this year - to great fanfare when the process was announced - the date for the installation of all the water meters was 2014. There was also an indication that 2,000 jobs would be created. Is the timeframe now in tatters? Today, Bord na Móna announced much restructuring and some job losses. I would like to know, in writing in the coming weeks if it is impossible today, why that organisation was overlooked in favour of Bord Gáis for the water metering process. The Minister has moved back from his initial commitment to have this done more quickly. Will he confirm that Bord Gáis is continuing to recruit personnel and how many have been recruited so far? For what purposes is this recruitment taking place? Will the 2,000 jobs be filled when there is nothing to do for half of the personnel?
(Speaker Continuing)
[Deputy Barry Cowen:
] It is ironic to think those who showed this forward thinking are to be penalised by virtue of the local government charge in the same fashion as anybody else who did not have the foresight to do this in recent years, irrespective of what agreement or options may have been laid down with the troika with regard to funding being made available to the State.
Deputy Phil Hogan:
As the Deputy knows from the troika agreement, water charges are to be introduced in 2014. This is what the previous Government negotiated. Whether or not there are meters there will be water charges in 2014.
Deputy Barry Cowen:
We know it is an option.
Deputy Phil Hogan:
The Deputy knows it is there. It is not a surprise.
Deputy Barry Cowen:
We know you made a commitment to the electorate you would overturn it, re-negotiate it and do everything with it. However, when it suits you it is a problem.
An Ceann Comhairle:
Through the Chair.
Deputy Phil Hogan:
We have abandoned our economic sovereignty thanks to the policies pursued by our predecessors and we are doing our best to sort it out. An independent assessment was carried out by PwC on behalf of the Department to establish which semi-State body would be appropriate and would have the necessary skills and expertise and two companies were considered, namely, Bord na Mona and Bord Gais Éireann. Its independent recommendation, which was subsequently approved by the Government, was that Bord Gais Éireann had the best synergy to deal with the issues because it was already involved in dealing with utility customers.
Deputy Barry Cowen:
Will the Minister publish it?
An Ceann Comhairle:
Through the Chair.
Deputy Phil Hogan:
That is a separate question.
An Ceann Comhairle:
There is a time limit on this question.
Deputy Phil Hogan:
In addition to this, procurement documentation is being drawn up and it must be done in a way that is legal and according to EU tendering arrangements. Those who will obtain jobs are fitters, plumbers and people in the construction industry who were abandoned arising from the downturn.
Deputy Joe Higgins:
Fix the leaks in the State.
Deputy Phil Hogan:
We will do that also.
Deputy Joe Higgins:
It would be much better to do this than to waste money on meters.
An Ceann Comhairle:
Perhaps the Minister would reply to the Deputy's question.
Deputy Phil Hogan:
I remind Deputies that people already pay water charges. People provide water supplies themselves, as do commercial people, and this is extending the principal to public supplies.
Deputy Clare Daly:
Every citizen pays for water.
Deputy Joe Higgins:
We all pay for water through our taxes.
Deputy Phil Hogan:
You do not want to pay for anything.
Deputy Barry Cowen:
I have a follow-on question on the fact that Bord Gais-----
Deputy Phil Hogan:
You do not want to pay for anything.
Deputy Joe Higgins:
When we buy goods in shops we pay for the shopkeeper's water charges also.
An Ceann Comhairle:
I ask the Deputy to please adhere to the rules of the House.
Deputy Barry Cowen:
It appears that Bord Gais is in the process of recruiting fitters and engineers but I have yet to learn when their work might commence and I do not know to what infrastructure they have access. Where stands the expertise in the local authorities to which the Minister so proudly states he can provide funding so they can provide services? He is taking one of the long-standing-----
An Ceann Comhairle:
A question please Deputy.
Deputy Barry Cowen:
-----facilities available to the electorate, namely, local authority water services. Where stands this expertise and local knowledge and these engineers in local authorities? How will they be employed in local authorities? Are they being asked to transfer to Bord Gais?
Deputy Phil Hogan:
Local authority staff work very closely with Bord Gais and in the coming seven years they will continue to do so through providing the infrastructure for rolling out the metering programme and in providing the water infrastructure to be laid down in the legislation to come before the House. This legislation will give Bord Gais the necessary powers with regard to arrangements with the Commission for Energy Regulation and the roll-out of the water metering programme. During these seven years the local authorities and Bord Gais will work out the systems they must put in place to deliver what is probably one of the largest public utility projects since the establishment of the ESB. The experience in local authorities will be used to good effect with regard to rolling out the programme.
Question No. 41 answered with Question No. 37.
An Ceann Comhairle:
For the benefit of Deputies six minutes are allowed for each question, two minutes for the Minister's reply and four minutes for supplementary questions with a limit of one minute per supplementary question and one minute for the Minister's reply to a supplementary question.
42. Deputy Michael Colreavy
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the progress that has been made on the road map to develop a Climate Change Bill; and the contact he has had with his counterparts in the Northern Assembly. [39073/12]
44. Deputy Catherine Murphy
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he will give a commitment on the introduction of climate change legislation before the end of December 2012; if he will outline the intended role he envisages for the sub Committee on the Environment, Community and Local Government in helping to draft the heads of the proposed legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39039/12]
Deputy Phil Hogan:
I propose to take Questions Nos. 42 and 44 together.
(Speaker Continuing)
[Deputy Phil Hogan:
] On the policy analysis element of the programme, the secretariat to the National Economic and Social Council has submitted its interim report to me. As indicated in the programme, I will release the report shortly and will then invite views from the Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht.
Deputy Brian Stanley:
The response from the Minister was confusing because earlier this year he said the heads of the Bill would be published this year. The Taoiseach informed me in July that it would be 2013, which was the first time that date was mentioned. Perhaps the Minister will clarify the difference between himself and the Taoiseach on this matter.
Deputy Phil Hogan:
I am delighted to hear it.
Deputy Brian Stanley:
We do not want to be seen to be the odd man out here. The Minister will be president of the Environment Council and it will be embarrassing if we do not make substantial progress on this matter.
Deputy Phil Hogan:
As usual, there is no difference between the Taoiseach and myself on this matter. He indicated, as have I, that the heads of the climate change Bill will be available for publication at the end of the year.
Deputy Brian Stanley:
He said 2013. It is on the record.
Deputy Phil Hogan:
The Deputy probably misunderstood him. The legislation will be enacted in 2013.
Deputy Brian Stanley:
No, I heard him.
Deputy Phil Hogan:
If the Deputy needs any clarification-----
An Ceann Comhairle:
Sorry-----
Deputy Phil Hogan:
A Cheann Comhairle-----
An Ceann Comhairle:
Speak through the Chair. Thank you.
Deputy Phil Hogan:
If the Deputy needs any clarification, that is the clarification he needs. Last January, I set out what the roadmap would be and it is on schedule.
Deputy Brian Stanley:
I took note of it.
An Ceann Comhairle:
Deputy, listen to the reply. We will let you in again if we have time.
Deputy Phil Hogan:
All Ireland policy stop with various policies. It is a good one to have on climate change but not so good on household charges. The heads of the Bill are on track for publication through the committee at the end of the year. The legislation will be enacted in 2013. I do not think there is any reason to be embarrassed.
Deputy Catherine Murphy:
Will there be a linkage between the approach to climate change in the Bill and energy security because there is a distinct linkage between them? It is not about whether it will be enacted next year apart from the embarrassment of holding the EU Presidency and not having the legislation in place.
(Speaker Continuing)
[Deputy Catherine Murphy:
] Renewables will play a key part in that growth.
Deputy Phil Hogan:
I agree with Deputy Catherine Murphy that it is important that all Departments, and particularly the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, act in a co-ordinated and integrated way with my Department on the issue of climate change. The Cabinet sub-committee on climate change holds regular meetings in which we seek to co-ordinate our response and ensure Departments are exploring and, indeed, implementing policies that will reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and deal with the issue of energy security.
Deputy Brian Stanley:
On 10 July 2013, the Taoiseach stated-----
Deputy Phil Hogan:
The legislation has already been promised.
Deputy Brian Stanley:
He stated that the heads of the Bill would be published in 2013. On the question of economic development, environmental protection and sustainability, does the Minister accept that we have to send out positive signals? There have been significant developments in the energy sector, particularly in the midlands, but there are concerns about where we are going as a country in terms of the further development of that sector. Does he recognise the importance of this area?
Deputy Phil Hogan:
Deputy Stanley will be aware that the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources recently published an energy policy setting out the milestones through which he is seeking to implement a more robust regime for renewables. Targets have been set for energy policy for 2020 and 2050. The Minister is conscious not only of his EU obligations, but also of the importance of reducing our dependence on imports of oil and less reliable fuels in driving our economic recovery and future development. His new energy policy clearly sets out the priority he attaches to the areas to which the Deputy referred.
Deputy Catherine Murphy:
One of the measures that has been at the centre of what the Minister describes as the recovery of this country was the proposal in his party's manifesto to invest €7 billion in green infrastructure. The absence of the legislation required to give coherence to this area makes it difficult for people. Much of this money will come from the private sector. We are sending a poor message and it appears that the private sector is making decisions for itself in the absence of a policy framework. We are probably missing significant opportunities for securing investment at an early stage by virtue of the fact that the legislation is being delayed until the middle of next year. Is there any prospect of it being brought forward in a speedier timeframe? Can our committee, for example, play a stronger role in doing that? Even the trimming of several months from the timeframe would be valuable rather than accepting that it will not be ready until the middle of next year.
Deputy Phil Hogan:
When I set out a roadmap in January the Deputy opposite did not believe it would happen and now it is going to happen, she wants to bring forward the timeframe for the sake of bringing it forward. We are going to try to get it right on this occasion. My predecessor tried to bring forward climate change legislation but encountered enormous difficulties not only within his own Government, but also with outside stakeholders.
(Speaker Continuing)
[Deputy Phil Hogan:
] We will get one opportunity to do this properly and I am determined to work with the committee to get the balance right with regard to everyone's obligation to deal with this important issue.
43. Deputy Willie O'Dea
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the status of his local government reform document; the timeframe for its publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39000/12]
56. Deputy Brian Stanley
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
his plans to reform town councils; and if so, the criteria he will be using and the consultation that will take place with the public and with elected representatives. [39071/12]
69. Deputy Catherine Murphy
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the date on which he intends to publish new proposals for the reform of local government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39040/12]
74. Deputy Brian Stanley
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the stage of his proposals for local government reform; when same will be made public; and the programme of consultation with the public and elected representative that will take place. [39076/12]
Deputy Phil Hogan:
I propose to take Questions Nos. 43, 56, 69 and 74 together.
Deputy Barry Cowen:
I thank the Minister for his answer. When he brings forward his local government reform package I hope he does not simply seek to grab headlines and score political points by cutting councils and councillors for the sake of it. I am aware of the need for streamlining in this area. We cannot have, for example, up to 115 representatives in one county. I am also aware that local authorities have lost many of their functions over the years. They are no longer responsible for primary roads or waste collection and the Government now proposes to remove their responsibility for water services. Lack of funding has led to the deterioration or curtailment of other services, such as library facilities and fire services.
Deputy Phil Hogan:
I am glad Deputy Cowen has decided to acknowledge that the decisions I make regarding my Department are not made for any populist reasons.
Deputy Finian McGrath:
That is for sure.
Deputy Phil Hogan:
I am doing what I believe is right and it does not matter to the members of the public if the public or private sector delivers services as long as they get a good quality service. The public wants services from local authorities that are delivered effectively and effectively. Over the last three years, 8,000 staff have left the local government system, with numbers falling from 37,000 to 29,000 and those staff are still expected to deliver the same level of services. All of the various allowances and matters under benchmarking, which I opposed at the time, have imposed an enormous cost on the delivery of those services to the consumer. That is why so many local authorities got out of the waste collection system, because it was much more expensive to operate than in the private sector.
Deputy Brian Stanley:
I have listened carefully to the Minister's reply and I am no clearer where this is going. It is in the programme for Government that local government reform will be introduced. On that subject, we are at one with the Minister; reform is needed and it has not happened under previous Governments. Local government must be modernised because the system does not match up properly. Town councils in some areas with a small population have huge powers while other large towns have town commission status. There are all sorts of anomalies in the system that we have discussed before. The Minister told me a number of times he would announce the reform programme before the summer recess but we have not heard anything. I have listened carefully to the Minister over the summer and I heard nothing about this. We need that reform. When will we have the policy statement and when can the House discuss it? When will the Oireachtas committee be able to discuss the services local authorities should provide and their functions, powers, finances and boundaries? Are we talking about county councils or town and district councils?
Deputy Phil Hogan:
The proposals on local government are before Government and I hope we will be in a position to clear them in the next week or two. The efforts being made to achieve this, because it is so important, are significant. Deputy Cowen mentioned the level of savings that could be achieved through doing things better and differently. In the last two and half years in local government, €553 million has been saved by delivering certain services differently, with some being outsourced and some being privatised, and others organised using structures that achieve better outcomes. That thinking informs some of the 106 recommendations made in 2010 by Mr. McLaughlin's group on local government efficiency. The public expects that.
Deputy Catherine Murphy:
We do not have a local government system in this country in the real sense of the word, we have a local administration. If we are to change that, it will not happen as an event but through a process. Could the Minister outline how he sees that playing out? Will there be legislation next year followed by a process over a period years after that? What will be the final shape of the local government system?
Deputy Phil Hogan:
The policy statement will be implemented between now and the 2014 local elections, that is the timeframe for the enactment of the legislation and the establishment of the new structures. The Boundary Commission must be established and report in good time to allow people to decide which electoral area they wish to stand in and to allow candidates and parties to get organised. On the last occasion, the Boundary Commission report was published in June 2008 for elections in 2009. I hope to give more time than that during this process for those who wish to consider standing.
Deputy Eoghan Murphy:
In line with those proposals for 2014, can the Minister inform us if there will be a directly elected mayor for Dublin by then?
Deputy Phil Hogan:
The Deputy must wait until I get Government approval for the suite of measures on local government reform before I can answer that question.
Deputy Mick Wallace:
Does the Minister agree that a more democratic and autonomous local government system would be in our best interests if we are to get citizen participation in local communities? We need a bottom up approach rather than top down, which is what we have had for a long time.
Deputy Phil Hogan:
I agree with Deputy Wallace and I was taken with Deputy Cowen's remarks earlier that we are removing functions from local government when we have the most centralised system in the world thanks to his predecessors in Government taking away powers from local authorities and giving them to agencies and quangos. I want to see the reorganisation of local government structures resulting in more decisions being made at local level and community and with local development programmes aligned with local government to a greater extent.
An Ceann Comhairle:
Three other Deputies have indicated and we are running out of time so I ask them to put their questions. The Minister will then reply.
Deputy Clare Daly:
Does the Minister agree there is a certain contradiction between him saying he aspires to more devolution and greater powers at local level while Government policy seems to be removing decision making from local authorities? How will he square that circle against the backdrop of a public sector recruitment embargo? Is it not the case that he is engaged in a slash and burn butchering of the number of councils and dressing it up as reform when it is just a continuation of the status quo?
Deputy Brendan Griffin:
Will the Minister consider empowering councillors with the ability to represent people in respect of medical card applications and social welfare inquiries? Deputies currently do many of these jobs through the Oireachtas inquiry lines and this would free up the time of parliamentarians to deal with legislative issues. If the number of councillors is reduced, will he consider making these positions fully salaried to address the jumping through hoops process that exists whereby councillors drive all over the country attending conferences and so on, which is a waste of everybody's time? Will the Minister consider these proposals as part of the overall reform of local government?
Deputy Brian Stanley:
The last Boundary Commission report was published in 2008 and it caused problems for councillors, particularly a few in the Minister's party who were caught out on the wrong side of a boundary. Given the local elections will be held in June 2014, if the commission is to report earlier this time, it would have to do so late this year or early next year to improve on what the previous Government did. I hope the Minister will do that.
Deputy Barry Cowen:
My question relates to Deputy Daly's question. Does the Minister not feel it is ridiculously ironic that he is telling the House he will bring forward a reform document that will empower local authorities and give them more functions and legislative powers while, at the same time, he is taking away water facilities and the water protection system? He is taking away the local knowledge that was most evident during our big freeze the winter before last. That local knowledge and expertise is being taken away from local authorities. What can he give them that is not being taken from them? He wanted to blame the previous Government for centralising local authority facilities and services.
Deputy Phil Hogan:
I will retain local knowledge and the involvement of the local government system in Irish Water, as I said earlier. I will devolve as many functions as I can with the agreement of my colleagues. The agreement of Cabinet colleagues and agencies is needed on such issues. I intend to ensure devolution as far as possible.
Deputy Clare Daly:
No, I do not, but the Minister might give them a few powers.
Deputy Phil Hogan:
I am anxious to ensure we have sufficient representation, greater democratic input and greater decision making at local level, as I said in reply to Deputy Wallace. I expect to bring forward a Boundary Commission report in March or April next year.
Question No. 44 answered with Question No. 42.
45. Deputy John McGuinness
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the current time frame for the introduction of water metering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38988/12]
Deputy Phil Hogan:
The programme for Government and the memorandum of understanding with the EU, IMF and ECB provide for the introduction of domestic water charges and the establishment of a new State-owned water utility. The Government considers that charging for water based on usage is the fairest way to charge for water and it has decided that water meters should be installed in households connected to public water supplies. International evidence has shown that where meters have been installed, significant reductions have been achieved in the level of consumption, and this is also borne out by the water savings achieved with metering in the group water sector.
46. Deputy Barry Cowen
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he will outline the reduction in the Local Government Fund allocation to each local authority area in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38983/12]
Deputy Phil Hogan:
I assume the question refers to general purpose grants from the local government fund. As indicated in the reply to Questions Nos. 37 and 41 , the two principal sources of revenue for the local government fund are the proceeds of motor tax and the income from the household charge. The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 provides that income from the household charge be paid into the local government fund. The proceeds from the household charge are being redistributed on an equalised basis to local authorities within the context of the annual allocations of general purpose grants.
General purpose grants contribute towards meeting the reasonable cost to local authorities of providing services to their customers. Some €651 million in general purpose grants had been allocated to local authorities for 2012. I have decided to withhold general purpose grant funding to local authorities in the third quarter of this year in light of the level of compliance, so far, with the household charge. It is estimated that €160 million will be collected each year as part of the local government budget, and this was part of the budget at the beginning of the year for each local authority. As of 14 September, €103 million had been collected nationally. A total of €15.69 million was withheld from the third quarter general purpose grant payment, which represents a reduction of between 1% and 3% of the total general purpose grant allocation for 2012.
I am keeping the income generated from the household charge under constant review. It is up to individual local authorities to address potential funding shortfalls arising from non-compliance with the legislation and to pursue those who may have a liability and initiate court proceedings, where it is considered appropriate. Local authorities can progressively recoup their original general purpose grant allocation through improved household charge compliance. The final amount of general purpose grants available for 2012 will be revisited and reviewed in the final quarter of the year to take account of the then financial position, including progress on securing an increased household charge yield. I am confident that the level of general purpose grants, together with other Government grants and subsidies and income raised from local sources, is appropriate to meet the costs of providing a reasonable level of local authority services to communities.
The tabular statement sets out the information requested in respect of individual county and city councils.
Local Authority | Withheld from Quarter 3 General Purpose Grant Payment |
|---|---|
| Carlow County Council | 246,235 |
| Cavan County Council | 419,804 |
| Clare County Council | 243,631 |
| Cork County Council | 979,559 |
| Donegal County Council | 1,016,872 |
| Fingal County Council | 545,285 |
| Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council | 343,583 |
| Galway County Council | 779,835 |
| Kerry County Council | 417,043 |
| Kildare County Council | 564,622 |
| Kilkenny County Council | 412,407 |
| Laois County Council | 409,600 |
| Leitrim County Council | 291,318 |
| Limerick County Council | 453,821 |
| Longford County Council | 330,750 |
| Louth County Council | 278,293 |
| Mayo County Council | 641,589 |
| Meath County Council | 644,835 |
| Monaghan County Council | 340,589 |
| Tipperary North Riding County Council | 376,593 |
| Offaly County Council | 386,784 |
| Roscommon County Council | 436,249 |
| Sligo County Council | 325,113 |
| South Dublin County Council | 475,210 |
| Tipperary South Riding County Council | 462,782 |
| Waterford County Council | 507,283 |
| Westmeath County Council | 414,356 |
| Wexford County Council | 481,697 |
| Wicklow County Council | 369,163 |
| Cork City Council | 446,103 |
| Dublin City Council | 1,172,960 |
| Galway City Council | 123,887 |
| Limerick City Council | 203,098 |
| Waterford City Council | 154,343 |
Deputy Barry Cowen:
I cannot understand how the Minister can be so confident that local authorities will meet the demands of their constituents in providing services next year, given the difficulties they face towards the end of this year, by virtue of him penalising them for something they had nothing do with. With regard to the household charge and its child, the property tax, how long has the Minister had the Thornhill report on his desk? Has he brought it to Government? Has it been discussed at Cabinet? When does he expect to make a recommendation?
Deputy Phil Hogan:
The property tax report, or the Thornhill report as it is known, has been with me since June and I will bring it to Government in the context of the budgetary matters that will be under discussion over the next few weeks.
Deputy Barry Cowen:
There must be many pages in it.
Deputy Phil Hogan:
It is a budgetary matter.
Deputy Barry Cowen:
It must be an excessively big document when one thinks the Minister has had it since June and has not brought it to Cabinet yet.
Deputy Phil Hogan:
I have read it.
Deputy Barry Cowen:
The whole country can talk about options that might or might not be in the report while the Minister decides what he wants to take from it. This fanfare must come to an end. The Minister has to bring about a proper budgetary and management system. The whole thing is in complete disarray.
Deputy Phil Hogan:
It goes back to-----
Deputy Barry Cowen:
It goes back to the troika and all the rest of it. We are hearing that for the past few years.
Deputy Jan O'Sullivan:
The budget is in December.
Deputy Phil Hogan:
Deputy Cowen will be aware that as part of the negotiated agreement, with which he is well familiar----
Deputy Barry Cowen:
That the Government did not renegotiate the agreement, having promised it would.
Deputy Phil Hogan:
-----a property tax was in the text. The EU-IMF require us to implement such a tax. The interim tax was the household charge, which will help to develop the database to ensure people get a bill in 2013 and beyond. The Minister for Finance will bring forward the property tax and it will be part of the Budget Statement.
Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett:
Does the Minister think it is completely unacceptable that Clare County Council is blackmailing applicants for higher education grants in the context of the household charge-----
An Ceann Comhairle:
Deputy, we have dealt with that. This has nothing to do with the question.
Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett:
-----and threatening the future of young people and their career and education prospects?
Deputy Finian McGrath:
Hear, hear.
An Ceann Comhairle:
Thank you, Deputy. There is a Deputy sitting here who has been waiting for the past three quarters of an hour for his question. I thought the Deputy had a question when I gave him the floor. I call Deputy Higgins.
Deputy Barry Cowen:
The Minister is not from County Clare, thank God.
Deputy Joe Higgins:
I ask the Minister to acknowledge that since the household tax is almost an austerity tax to bail out the speculators and bondholders, it is absolutely immoral for him to cut back on funds for services from central taxation that will affect the lives and livelihoods of ordinary people. Does the Minister not agree further that it is an outrage that county councils would threaten students with their grants-----
An Ceann Comhairle:
I thank the Deputy and ask him to put his question in respect of what is on the Order Paper.
Deputy Joe Higgins:
-----to try to blackmail their parents into giving up their completely justified boycott against this tax?
Deputy Finian McGrath:
Hear, hear.
An Ceann Comhairle:
We have already dealt with that issue.
Deputy Phil Hogan:
As Deputy Higgins is aware, the Government is trying to broaden the tax base from a standing start with no database and it will do that.
Deputy Joe Higgins:
The Minister should listen to Peter Bacon, who has ridiculed that idea. He rebuts it.
Deputy Phil Hogan:
The Deputy must be the only socialist in the world who is against that-----
Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett:
Is it okay to blackmail people?
Deputy Phil Hogan:
-----as one of the few so-called socialists in the place. However, the Government will broaden the tax base. Unlike Deputy Higgins, it does not wish to impose any more tax on workers.
Deputy Joe Higgins:
Who will pay the property tax? Will it be someone from Mars?
An Ceann Comhairle:
We will turn to Question No. 47.
Deputy Joe Higgins:
Apparently, a Cheann Comhairle, there are secret pots of gold under every house.
An Ceann Comhairle:
Thank you, Deputy. Please speak through the Chair.
Deputy Phil Hogan:
The Deputy should try the fracking.
An Ceann Comhairle:
Thank you. Please speak through the Chair.
47. Deputy Micheál Martin
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the number of septic tank owners that have signed up to the registration system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39006/12]
50. Deputy Martin Ferris
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the financial supports that will be put in place to assist households upgrading their septic tanks to meet the new standards. [39072/12]
76. Deputy Charlie McConalogue
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he will outline the details of the septic tank registration information campaign he has undertaken; the money budgeted for the campaign; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39011/12]
Deputy Phil Hogan:
I propose to take Questions Nos. 47, 50 and 76 together.
Deputy Barry Cowen:
Will the Minister penalise local authorities if he does not achieve the level of registration he expects or seeks in this regard as well? I note the Minister has been in possession of the Thornhill report since June and Members are waiting to find out when he will finish reading it before bringing it to the Government. Second, for how long has the Minister had to hand the recommendations in respect of the guidelines that might form a uniform guideline to be applicable nationwide in respect of standards for septic tanks? I presume the Minister has made no provision for funds that might be available for those who do not meet such guidelines for standards when he eventually publishes them.
Deputy Brian Stanley:
The Minister should indicate the number of people who have registered as I have not heard an answer to date. In a similar question to the previous speaker, will the local authorities be penalised on a pro rata basis in this regard? I refer to the financial supports that will be available because people are taking a leap of faith in this regard. While they may not be happy to so do, some people are registering. However, as matters stand they have no certainty or clue as to what kind of financial support will be in place. I am thinking in particular of low-income households that cannot afford to carry out the upgrades that will be required as per the inspections.
An Ceann Comhairle:
The Minister to wind up.
Deputy Phil Hogan:
The standards for septic tanks were agreed by the Oireachtas joint committee early last July and they are standard nationwide for each local authority. Consequently, they are well known by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht and I assume everyone is clear with regard to them. A total of 76,000 have registered to date with the Local Government Management Agency.
Deputy Barry Cowen:
Will the Minister penalise local authorities?
Deputy Phil Hogan:
No.
An Ceann Comhairle:
Seanad Éireann has passed the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Bill 2012, without amendment, the Electoral (Amendment) (Political Funding) Bill 2011, without amendment, and the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Bill 2011, without amendment.
An Ceann Comhairle:
The Select Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality has completed its consideration of the Personal Insolvency Bill 2012 and has made amendments thereto.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
Before the last general election, the Minister for Health, Deputy Reilly, personally led a deeply cynical campaign on health promises and health issues. Across the length and breadth of the country, he promised that he and Fine Gael would ensure that no one lost any services and that a set of new, free services would be provided. Upon his appointment, the Minister announced the abolition of the management structures of the health services and that he was taking personal charge, but they have been leaderless and lacking governance ever since. He announced that waiting lists would reduce, prescriptions would be cheaper and free GP care for all was on the way. Since then, waiting lists have lengthened, prescriptions are just as expensive and the extension of free GP care is nowhere to be seen, despite being announced numerous times. He presented a false and dishonest budget to the House last year. He was warned repeatedly about this and was alerted about the crippling position regarding the health finances but did absolutely nothing except to repeat the mantra that front line services would be protected, while he already was implementing disproportionate and unfair cuts on the most vulnerable.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
I ask the Deputy to conclude the question please.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
She even offered to chair those negotiations herself. However, she wrote to the Minister on 27 July asking for a report and stating she had no delegated statutory authority in respect of primary care and that she had not been consulted with regard to any matter pertaining to the budget.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
The Deputy is over time.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
I ask the Taoiseach whether the Minister of State, Deputy Shortall, is correct in stating the Government's commitment to health reform genuinely is being questioned because of the Minister's lack of proactive engagement with the issues.
(Speaker Continuing)
[Deputy Micheál Martin:
] Will the Taoiseach comment on reports that there will be numerous cutbacks in hospitals? Will he outline to the House how hospital deficits will be dealt with between now and December? Is he aware of planned closure of wards?
The Taoiseach:
The Deputy is anticipating the motion of no confidence in the Minister, Deputy Reilly, tabled by his party. I understand Fianna Fáil had some kind of think-in in recent days because I seem to have heard this comment and statement from the Deputy. He said the Minister, Deputy Reilly, introduced a deeply cynical budget, which I reject. He made three points: that he committed to waiting lists being reduced, that prescriptions would be cheaper and that free GP care would be on the way. Those are the three charges he made and he has repeated them on numerous occasions.
Deputy Barry Cowen:
It is a good job we still have it.
The Taoiseach:
The Committee and Remaining Stages of the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Bill 2012 will be taken tomorrow. I assure Deputy Martin and everyone else that given the extent of legislation published and introduced into the House in the last period, this is a priority for this session and it starts again tomorrow.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
Fundamentally I asked the Taoiseach two core questions. First, does the Minister of State, Deputy Shortall, have genuine confidence in the Minister, Deputy Reilly? That relates to very fractious correspondence between the two in July and May, when the Minister of State, Deputy Shortall, confirmed that despite seeking delegated authority on primary care, she had been frustrated time and again by the Minister, Deputy Reilly.
Deputy James Reilly:
The Deputy should get his facts right.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
The Minister did not do a single thing in regard to any of those in the first eight months of this year, knowing full well that those targets were not realisable. That is why I charged that it was a false budget and that is what has put the health service into the crisis in which it finds itself this year in terms of finances.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
A question, please.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
-----above which there are very few people, and then he quotes percentages. The key targets and objectives of the National Treatment Purchase Fund and its achievements over the years were dramatically reducing those on waiting lists for more than three months and six months. Since the Minister, Deputy Reilly, has come to office those waiting lists-----
Deputy James Reilly:
There has been a 66% reduction.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
-----have escalated and gone through the roof.
Deputy Finian McGrath:
What about people with disabilities? What did the Government do for them?
(Interruptions).
Deputy Micheál Martin:
It is not just those on this side of the House who have deep misgivings about how the Minister, Deputy Reilly, is acting. One Labour Minister is quoted as saying: "Several times I have tried to work with him on a number of things and he appears to be so partisan that if you're not one of his cronies, he doesn't want to know. I don't have that problem with any other Fine Gael Minister." Another Labour Minister said: "I would have some respect for him, but it was so [expletive deleted] cowardly, and for the amount of money involved, the heat we're all going to get from this is farcical."
Deputy James Reilly:
Dúirt bean liom go ndúirt bean léi.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
"The first I heard of the cuts was the HSE announcement," said the Minister of State, Deputy Sherlock. "Everyone else has managed to live with Croke Park and keep within budget. What is so special about James Reilly?" asked one senior figure. I ask the Taoiseach to read any newspaper in the past three weeks. The benches here deserted that man in droves in recent weeks and left him isolated because of his mismanagement of the emergency services. It is unprecedented that when Ministers are asked the simple question as to whether they have confidence in a fellow colleague, a senior Minister, Deputy Burton, and Ministers of State, Deputies Jan O'Sullivan and Shortall, could not articulate confidence in a senior colleague. That is the bottom line.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
I call the Taoiseach.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
The Taoiseach would be well advised not to be attacking this side of the House but to reflect on what is, unfortunately and regrettably, a common refrain across this House irrespective of party or constituency in terms of the management of the health service in 2012.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
I call the Taoiseach.
A Deputy: Deputy Martin ran away.
Deputy Barry Cowen:
Let the Taoiseach answer.
Deputy Pat Deering:
Do we have a new Ceann Comhairle now?
Deputy Patrick O'Donovan:
No, a new leader.
The Taoiseach:
It is a bit rich for Deputy Martin to come into the House on the resumption of parliamentary business and talk about cynicism and misleading information and comments. Does he belong to a party that told the people they would have the cheapest bailout in history? Did I hear that from his party? Does the Deputy bear that brand on his forehead?
Deputy Barry Cowen:
Fine Gael voted for it.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
Order, please.
The Taoiseach:
The cheapest bailout in history.
Deputy Michael Healy-Rae:
The new Minister for Health will not pay for one-----
(Interruptions).
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
I remind Deputy Healy Rae that this is Leaders' Questions.
The Taoiseach:
Deputy Martin never bothered-----
Deputy Micheál Martin:
Do they have confidence?
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
Order, please.
The Taoiseach:
Deputy Martin never bothered to look at what his Government created when it set up the original structure of the HSE. I want to tell him something now.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
I want to tell the Taoiseach something about the files in the Taoiseach's office that were shredded. Is that a figment of his imagination, Lenin coming to Ireland in 1922?
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
Deputy Martin-----
The Taoiseach:
The only reason the Deputy wants to take the course he is now taking is that he is terrified of the party on his right-hand side and his opportunism know no bounds.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
I think the Taoiseach is terrified of some of those on his left-hand side.
A Deputy: Who is coming second in the opinion polls?
The Taoiseach:
The motion of no confidence takes place this evening and tomorrow. There will be a vote on it and he can be assured of the Minister and his Ministers of State speaking in his defence-----
Deputy Micheál Martin:
Speaking in his defence?
The Taoiseach:
-----and the Fine Gael and Labour Parties supporting the work of the Minister for Health as he goes about his duties in so far as his remit is concerned.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
Roscommon.
Deputy Barry Cowen:
Nenagh.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
The Taoiseach without interruptions, please.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
The Taoiseach promised them left, right and centre, and was caught out on tape.
Deputy Barry Cowen:
He stood in the square.
The Taoiseach:
He should go down and speak-----
Deputy Micheál Martin:
He swore blind in here that he gave them no promise, but the tape appeared and he was recorded making a very definitive commitment.
Deputy Paul Kehoe:
Does the Deputy want to hear the truth?
The Taoiseach:
-----to the proprietor of Home Care Medicals and walk into its warehouse. There is at least €3 million worth of equipment in that warehouse that has not been used for three years because of the bureaucracy that the Deputy's Government set up when the HSE was implemented in the first place.
Deputy Timmy Dooley:
The Taoiseach has been in government for a year and a half. Why does he not do something about it?
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
Please-----
The Taoiseach:
Each piece of that equipment has been decontaminated, packed and barcoded. However, simply because of the structure Deputy Martin's Government set up, people throughout the country have not been able to access beds, mattresses, hoists or wheelchairs.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
Whom is the Taoiseach codding?
The Taoiseach:
We had endless recurring purchasing within the structure of the HSE. The Deputy should go down and have a look at it. That will change because I informed the Minister, Deputy Reilly, of it last night.
(Speaker Continuing)
[Deputy Timmy Dooley:
] That is not a big medical crisis.
The Taoiseach:
Does Deputy Martin realise that a mattress for one of these beds costs €1,000-----
Deputy Micheál Martin:
Does the Taoiseach realise that every penny spent on those mattresses is-----
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
Order, please.
(Interruptions).
Deputy Barry Cowen:
The number of trolleys or mattresses will not resolve the problem.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
Are we going to face more ward closures? Can the Taoiseach confirm that?
Deputy Arthur Spring:
What was Fianna Fáil's plan?
The Taoiseach:
-----of which there are 500? Does the Deputy realise that 147 people are currently waiting for one of these beds, which they could have in their own homes?
Deputy Micheál Martin:
The Taoiseach is diverting from the core question.
The Taoiseach:
In terms of the structure which Deputy Martin set up, he never bothered to look at the monster he created. That is all going to change now.
The Deputy raised three points.
Deputy Barry Cowen:
He will raise another three later.
The Taoiseach:
Waiting lists are down 22%, or 13,450 patients in the past 12 months. In respect of day surgery, the list is down 85% and the waiting list in respect of those waiting more than nine months is down by 63%. The legislation in respect of cheaper prescriptions is back before the Seanad tomorrow and will be taken here as quickly as possible.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
Will there be ward closures?
The Taoiseach:
The legislation will be taken in the Seanad tomorrow and will be taken in this House as quickly as possible.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
Will there be ward closures?
The Taoiseach:
The legislation in regard to GP care is a matter of priority.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
Will there be ward closures?
The Taoiseach:
Fianna Fáil can have its vote of confidence and will see the result.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
Will there be ward closures?
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
I call Deputy Gerry Adams.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
I have asked the Taoiseach five times if there will be ward closures.
Deputy Michael Healy-Rae:
Deputy Martin will have to ask him again.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
Order, please. I have called Deputy Adams.
Deputy Gerry Adams:
Táimid ar ais arís agus ba mhaith liom an Taoiseach a fháiltiú ar ais go dtí an Dáil. Tá súil agam go raibh sos maith aige thar an samhradh.
The Taoiseach:
Tá fáilte roimh an Teachta Adams thar n-ais. Tá sé ag leanúint ar aghaidh leis an rud a bhí sé ag rá roimh an samhraidh.
Deputy Gerry Adams:
Sin é.
The Taoiseach:
Tá súil agam go bhfeicfidh mé é Dé Domhnaigh seo chugainn freisin. B'fhéidir gur pointe an-árd a bhéas ann. Deputy Adams will shortly have an opportunity to put on the record his party's constructive suggestions as to how we should deal with the fiscal challenge faced by our people and country not just for the next year, but beyond. I look forward to hearing constructive suggestions from him.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
I call Deputy Adams who has one minute for a supplementary question.
Deputy Gerry Adams:
I am sure the Taoiseach will agree that the judgment of any society of any state is the protections it affords to its citizens, in particular the elderly, children, vulnerable people and people with disabilities.
Deputy Shane McEntee:
Such as Jean McConville.
Deputy Gerry Adams:
In particular, a State which calls itself a republic-----
Deputy Shane McEntee:
Jean McConville.
Deputy Gerry Adams:
-----where citizens have rights. The heckler is totally out of order. I will raise that matter later with the Leas-Cheann Comhairle.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
This is Leaders' Questions.
Deputy Gerry Adams:
The Deputy is totally out of order.
Deputy Tom Hayes:
What did he say?
Deputy Gerry Adams:
We are dealing with serious issues here. The Taoiseach in his response to me said that the Government is making difficult choices. The Government is making the wrong choices.
Deputy Pearse Doherty:
Hear, hear.
Deputy Gerry Adams:
It is also making the wrong choices in regard to its election commitments. Most of what it is doing is totally in contradiction with what it promised. Does the Taoiseach recall the Leaders' debate in February 2011? The Tánaiste said that the first issue the Labour Party would address in government, in terms of equality and decent supports for people, would be that of disability. The Taoiseach agreed with that and said it would be an absolute priority. However, once the Fine Gael and Labour parties got into government they commenced cutting services to the elderly and those with disabilities while at the same time kowtowing to vested interests in the EU and the financial sector. Next month, on the Taoiseach's watch, unguaranteed bondholders will received another €1 billion. The Government is taking money from vulnerable front line sectors to put into unguaranteed bondholders.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
A question please, Deputy.
Deputy Gerry Adams:
Apart from the "Yes" men and women in the Labour and Fine Gael parties, he is on his own.
Deputy Finian McGrath:
Hear, hear.
Deputy Gerry Adams:
The Taoiseach is totally and absolutely on his own. Those who are working in and using the services do not share that confidence. With more cuts planned for December, will the Taoiseach not accept that it is long past time for the Minister, Deputy Reilly, to go? I know he is only implementing Government policy. Minister Reillys come and Minister Reillys go.
Deputy Patrick O'Donovan:
Deputy Adams will always be here.
Deputy Gerry Adams:
It is important the Government gets back to implementing the mandate it was given and keeps the promises it made as opposed to doing the exact opposite. It should uphold the rights of citizens, in particular, those who are vulnerable.
The Taoiseach:
I am interested in the Deputy's comment about protection of our citizens. I would like if he would elaborate on that sometime.
Deputy Gerry Adams:
Absolutely. Does the Taoiseach want me to do it now? The Taoiseach asked me a question. Does he want me to do that now?
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
Deputy, the Taoiseach has the floor. One speaker at a time, please.
The Taoiseach:
I hope that comment is not out of order. I would be interested to hear the Deputy elaborate on his comment.
Deputy Gerry Adams:
Má shuíonn an Taoiseach síos, déanfaidh mé anois é. Is it better to do it now? Let us have a real debate now.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
Deputy Adams.
Deputy Gerry Adams:
Certain citizens with disabilities had to camp outside-----
The Taoiseach:
The Deputy will be aware that up to 2011 there were budget reductions of approximately €1.75 billion in the health services. The year 2012 saw further reductions of €0.75 billion. The fact is that €130 million in additional savings have to be achieved by the end of this year. Some €63 million or almost 50% will come from more focused cash and stock management initiatives, savings in medical equipment which are non-capital, items such as furniture, education, training, office expenses, travel, subsistence and advertising. Some €6 million in savings will come from the non-imbursement of certain non-essential products. Removing gluten free products will result in savings of about €3.6 million on an annual basis.
Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn:
Shame on the Taoiseach. Celiacs are----
The Taoiseach:
All of those have no impact on patient care. That means that €60.5 million in savings will come from specific service related measures. Deputy Adams will have an opportunity shortly to spell what he would do, not that he will ever have the chance. Agency and overtime reductions will account for savings of €35 million. The reduction in average length of stay is key to the delivery of agreed activity levels with fewer beds and therefore less staffing. There will be re-alignment of services in line with international best practice, redeployment of staff and revision of rostering practices. All of these have been referred to by the Minister, Deputy Reilly, and will be dealt with again in the debate on the motion of no confidence.
Deputy Gerry Adams:
What about home help hours and home care packages?
The Taoiseach:
The Minister has directed that every efficiency will be extracted prior to cutting any service. Patient safety is paramount. Care and sensitivity is to be applied in the case of Letterkenny, Naas and Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda where there are significant service challenges and a heavy dependency on overtime and agencies. The Deputy will be aware of the situation in so far as sick leave is concerned and so on. Inpatient discharges are 2.7% higher than the period last year and 8.1% above target. All of these can be dealt with during the course of the Private Members' motion.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
I call Deputy Ross on behalf of the Technical Group.
Deputy Shane Ross:
No one would deny the difficulty that the Government has in making the cuts and balancing the budget in the current situation. The problem, as enunciated by two previous speakers, is that no adequate explanations have been given for the cuts being proposed. I refer not only to the cuts in the health service, which several speakers have addressed, but there seems to be a competing appetite for austerity among some of the Taoiseach's Ministers, competing on a daily basis to target sections of the population who cannot afford to pay for those cuts. I refer particularly to the recent decision - in respect of which the House deserves an explanation - not only to tax property owners but to tackle pensioners as though they are particularly well off.
(Interruptions).
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
Order, please.
Deputy Patrick O'Donovan:
Was the Deputy advocating that in the Sunday Independent?
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
Could the Deputy Ross frame his question?
Deputy Shane Ross:
Yes. I am coming to the question.
(Interruptions).
Deputy Shane Ross:
The time for that was when the furnace was burning not now when the Taoiseach is trying to extract some oxygen from the ashes.
The Taoiseach:
I have often given the Deputy credit for his extensive knowledge of-----
Deputy Eamonn Maloney:
Middle Ireland.
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
It is no laughing matter.
The Taoiseach:
-----the broad world of economics but he said that the time to introduce a property tax was in 2005 or 2007. The Deputy realises that if a property tax was introduced in those years with house values the way they were, the level of such a tax would have been extraordinary when people were paying €1 million for end of terrace houses and multiples of millions for houses in the greater Dublin area and places around the country.
Deputy Timmy Dooley:
You did not think of that one. It depends on how much one charges.
The Taoiseach:
Deputy Ross should be clear on this. The following is the situation in so far as a property tax is concerned. A property tax will be introduced.
Deputy Joan Collins:
A family home tax.
The Taoiseach:
The Government made a decision that the Revenue Commissioners would design the process and the mechanics of how that would apply. A property tax will apply from 1 July next year. The Minister for Finance ruled out implementing a property tax in the way and at the level that the IMF recently reported, as 0.5% of market value.
Deputy Barry Cowen:
It has not been brought to Government yet.
The Taoiseach:
The situation is that anything outside that is entirely speculative. The Government has not considered the Thornhill report in detail, it will do so collectively and will make a decision on that.
Deputy Barry Cowen:
It takes the Minister three months.
The Taoiseach:
When I joined the county council many years ago, people paid for water and refuse services and they paid rates. Surely in Deputy Ross's constituency in Dublin, he recognises that year after year commercial ratepayers were completely squeezed and have come to the point where many of them, with the downturn in retail activity, have not been able to draw anything from their business for quite some time. The requirement here is to broaden the tax base by having an equitable and affordable property tax. That is the question that the Government will decide on in due course.
Deputy Joe Higgins:
So you are not the one who said it was a vampire tax.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
Order please. I have called Deputy Shane Ross.
(Interruptions).
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
Could we have order please?
Deputy Shane Ross:
I thank the Taoiseach for his reply. The Taoiseach said that any comment on this was speculative. Does that include his own statement that it would raise €500 million, which he is on record as saying?
Deputy Barry Cowen:
Which he has not decided.
Deputy Shane Ross:
Does that include the fact that the Minister for Finance has already said that it would not be 0.5%?
Deputy Barry Cowen:
Which he has not decided.
Deputy Shane Ross:
Does that include other statements from members of the Government about it coming in? What is happening here is a softening up process.
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
Yes.
Deputy Shane Ross:
The Government is leaking stuff to the press left, right and centre. It is appearing all the time. It is making statements on the record as well-----
A Deputy: We would not dream of it.
Deputy Shane Ross:
-----to soften people up and then saying-----
(Interruptions).
Deputy Shane Ross:
-----that this is speculative. What is happening here is that the middle classes and the lower paid are being prepared for another blow which they cannot pay. Would the Taoiseach therefore give some comfort to those in negative equity that they will not have to pay property tax? Will he give some comfort to house owners in Dublin that they will not have to pay a disproportionate amount based on the value of their houses? Will he give some comfort to those on low incomes that they will not have to pay the same amount as those on higher incomes, and will he give some comfort to any other person in a vulnerable position who will not be able to pay that tax?
Deputy Barry Cowen:
Hear, hear.
The Taoiseach:
What the Deputy is engaged in is a box ticking exercise to rule out or rule in certain references to the property tax so that he can narrow the field, as it were.
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
Kicking the can down the road.
The Taoiseach:
I will repeat for the Deputy the concrete decisions that have been made. There will be a property tax. The Revenue Commissioners have been asked to design the mechanics of that scheme. It will apply from 1 July next year.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
That concludes Leaders' Questions. Does the Taoiseach wish to make a statement?
The Taoiseach:
Will I do it now or on the Order of Business?
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
Is the House agreed that it be made now? Agreed.
The Taoiseach:
I wish to announce for the information of the House that the Government has finalised the wording of a constitutional amendment on the protection of children and has decided to hold a referendum on this important issue on Saturday, 10 November next.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
On a point of order-----
The Taoiseach:
I am not making a speech. It is only for information, Deputy. It is my intention, along with the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs-----
Deputy Micheál Martin:
On a point of order-----
The Taoiseach:
-----to brief the leaders of the Opposition parties in advance of the publication of the wording of the proposed amendment tomorrow, and tomorrow the Minister will publish also the adoption (amendment) Bill, announce the establishment of a referendum commission and name its chairperson.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
I would make the point to the Taoiseach that this is very slack behaviour, frankly. He should have consulted with us today that this announcement was being made. There is no major difficulty about it. Our spokesman spoke to the Minister, Deputy Fitzgerald, last week. It is common courtesy and proper parliamentary procedure to involve the Opposition in announcements of this kind-----
(Interruptions).
Deputy Micheál Martin:
-----and that we are alerted if announcements are going to be made by the Taoiseach on any issue, particularly on an issue pertaining to the amendment of the Constitution.
Deputy Pat Rabbitte:
Which you never did.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
That is proper procedure, and it is important that is adhered to in future because a tendency is developing where it is ruled by the Executive. This is an important issue. As the Taoiseach has outlined, it has involved all parties over quite some time. We want to adopt a constructive approach to the issue and I would have appreciated it if our spokespeople had been consulted earlier today in regard to this.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
If Deputies wish to raise this issue on the Order of Business they may do so. We have questions to the Taoiseach before that which I would like to go on to now.
The Taoiseach:
In response to Deputy Martin, the decision was only made at Cabinet today and finalised. I merely wanted to inform the House of the process of the briefing of party members - it is not the first time they have been briefed - and the procedure that will be followed.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
If Deputies want to have conversations could they please have them outside the Chamber? We are on questions to the Taoiseach.
1. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Taoiseach
the contacts that he has had with European leaders since the summer recess. [37878/12]
2. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Taoiseach
the issues he will prioritise for the European Council meeting of 18 and 19 October. [37879/12]
3. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Taoiseach
if he has been in contact with German Chancellor Angela Merkel since the Dáil went into recess. [37880/12]
4. Deputy Micheál Martin
asked the Taoiseach
if he has met or spoken with Chancellor Merkel recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38800/12]
5. Deputy Micheál Martin
asked the Taoiseach
his plans to visit European capitals prior to Ireland's presidency of the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38801/12]
6. Deputy Joe Higgins
asked the Taoiseach
the European leaders with whom he has had discussions with since the summer recess. [38949/12]
7. Deputy Joe Higgins
asked the Taoiseach
if he has submitted any proposals for the EU Summit taking place on the 18 to 19 October in Brussels; the issues he will prioritise; and if he has received an agenda. [38952/12]
8. Deputy Micheál Martin
asked the Taoiseach
whether he has been contacted by Prime Minister Samaras to discuss developments in Greece; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39017/12]
9. Deputy Micheál Martin
asked the Taoiseach
if he has had any discussions recently with President Hollande; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39027/12]
10. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett
asked the Taoiseach
the EU leaders he intends to meet in the autumn and winter period; the issues he intends to raise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39031/12]
101. Deputy Micheál Martin
asked the Taoiseach
if he has spoken to Prime Minister Monti recently regarding developments in Italy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36945/12]
102. Deputy Micheál Martin
asked the Taoiseach
if there is any informal EU Council meeting planned over the next two months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36946/12]
The Taoiseach:
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 10, inclusive, and 101 and 102 together.
Deputy Gerry Adams:
Táim buíoch as ucht an freagra. Perhaps the Taoiseach could help us in regard to media reports this morning. It is a habit that the Government thinks a lot through the media as opposed to the House. There are reports that the Government is considering issuing a 40-year bond to re-finance the bailout of Anglo Irish Bank. Has this been discussed with the European leaders with whom the Taoiseach has been in contact?
The Taoiseach:
The Government has always put forward the view that the negotiations, which are quite tortuous and very complex, are about restructuring and re-engineering the scale of debt placed on the backs of the Irish people. That has been the thrust of Government activity in this matter. The Deputy is aware that the decision of 29 June, into which Ireland was written, was to break the link between sovereign debt and bank debt. Many people said this could never happen. One should bear in mind, however, the progress the country has made in difficult times, the recognition of the scale of the burden on the Irish taxpayer since the blanket guarantee was given and the recognition of assistance for Ireland.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
I have approximately five questions on this issue and the Taoiseach covered them all in his opening reply. Over recent months, there seem to have been very intense discussions taking place across Europe on actions to tackle the eurozone debt crisis. Prime Ministers have been crisscrossing the Continent holding meetings to promote their national positions and to seek agreement. It seems the Taoiseach is opting out of this role in regard to Ireland's national position on bank debt. It seems from his reply that he has not had any substantive meeting with any key player who matters regarding the bank crisis or bank debt issue and the separation of bank debt from sovereign debt since the June summit. It seems once again that the Government, particularly the Taoiseach, is sitting back and hoping something will fall into its lap such that we can claim a negotiating victory. We know this happened in June with Prime Ministers Monti and Rahoy forcing Chancellor Merkel's hand at the time. To a certain extent, we are beginning to hear her resiling from the June agreement or at least procrastinate with regard to the implementation of that agreement, which the Tánaiste described as a game changer.
Deputy Peter Mathews:
It changes the creditors.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
Yes, but it is not in line with the principle as agreed in June. We do not seem to have any sense of movement in this regard.
Deputy Peter Mathews:
The open and honest debate is missing in Europe, France, Spain and Germany.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
I accept that.
The Taoiseach:
The Deputy's mantra is that I should be travelling to Europe to meet all the leaders on a daily basis. He states I do not meet any of the key players. He understands, however, that all the key players came together on 29 June. The decision was made in the preparations for that meeting and in the meeting itself. Ireland is written into that decision and is one of only two countries mentioned therein.
Deputy Peter Mathews:
Thanks to the efforts of the Taoiseach.
The Taoiseach:
The key players were around the table.
(Speaker Continuing)
[The Taoiseach:
] Since the markets reacted positively to the 29 June agreement, a factor, I am sure, in the capacity of the NTMA to return to the treasury bill and bond markets in July and last week, and on which platform the Minister for Finance and his officials have sought to build, with a degree of success, I might say, there have been intensive discussions between the officials of the Department of Finance and their counterparts abroad. They have had meetings in Paris, Berlin, Helsinki, Rome and The Hague and have had lots of conversations about specific issues from here to there.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
May I ask a supplementary question?
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
I will revert to the Deputy.
Deputy Joe Higgins:
When in her post-summer press conference the German Chancellor stated that no changes were necessary to the Irish bailout austerity agenda, which, in case we forget, sees working people and the poor salvaging the financial market speculators in Europe, and that everything - the cuts, the crisis and the hundreds of thousands of people who are unemployed - was fine with Ireland, what did she mean? During the general election campaign, the current Taoiseach rushed over to Berlin to be at Chancellor Merkel's side. He sought security, a profile and gravitas in her shadow. Is it not the truth that she has stabbed him in the back and that she has told the real truth and the real thinking of the European elite with regard to the Irish austerity bailout agenda, namely, that the Irish people will continue being forced to pay? Is it not the truth that the Taoiseach has tried to string along the Irish people with fairy tales about miracles emanating from Europe regarding the millstone of debt created by bankers and speculators that our people are forced to carry? How does the seismic shift of which the Taoiseach spoke in June with regard to debt now stand in view of Chancellor Merkel's statement to the effect that Ireland does not need changes, even as another €1 billion goes to the AIB bondholders on 1 October?
The Taoiseach:
No, it is not. The German Chancellor agreed with and was very supportive of the European Council decision on 29 June. The commitment by the Heads of State and Government on 29 June stated: "to examine the situation of the Irish financial sector with a view to enhancing the sustainability of the well-performing programme". As I said to Deputy Martin, the focus of the discussions that have been and are taking place here and the focus of the political interaction that has taken and will take place are on how best we can restructure and re-engineer the level of debt placed on the Irish taxpayer and get the maximum benefit and result from that in the interest of the country's people. Those discussions centre around how best that can be done.
Deputy Joe Higgins:
What sort of formal proposals?
The Taoiseach:
These are not fairy tales.
Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett:
Last week, the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council, which was set up as part of the troika deal, warned that growth forecasts had been consistently off and overly optimistic and that unless growth targets were met - it is looking highly like that they will not be met - our debt would become unsustainable.
(Speaker Continuing)
[Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett:
] That is what the Fiscal Advisory Council, not the left or the Opposition, is indicating. It has warned that all the growth projections so far have been wrong, and all the dangers are on the down side.
The Taoiseach:
Everybody agrees that the quicker this can be done, the better, but it is not as simple as the Deputy pretends. Other European leaders now recognise that the challenge facing us is being met by the Government and its people. The position is challenging and many people have suffered as a consequence. Nobody will walk in here and write a cheque for €13 billion to sort out the problem.
Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett:
We have to write a cheque for bondholders.
The Taoiseach:
This is a problem we must deal with ourselves. The discussions which are taking place are focused on bringing a conclusion to the decision of the Heads of Government, including Chancellor Merkel, on 29 June. I do not want this country to see any pretensions about a second bailout. We want out of this bailout as quickly as we can so we can fly economically and run our country as efficiently as I know is possible. The promissory note issue, which has been there a while, means there is a requirement to pay €3.1 billion every year for ten years. The Deputy did not cause that but we must deal with it. It is a central focus for many discussions and the Deputy should believe me when I say it is not as simple as he pretends when he says we should wipe it out or change it in a way to bring the best financial benefit for Ireland.
Deputy Joe Higgins:
The Taoiseach is spinning more fairy tales.
The Taoiseach:
In our international negotiations we will continue to focus on getting the best deal, with the maximum benefit for our people. Even if it takes a little longer than what was originally targeted, I hope the process will be worth it on its conclusion.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
The Taoiseach mentioned hallucinations in referring to other Deputies but it was his own party and the Labour Party that dramatically raised expectations before the last election. It was said that bondholders would be burned and such reckless comments were made during the election; the year and a half since has been a long journey but it is extraordinary for the Taoiseach to use a phrase such as "things are not as easy as they sound". We heard "Labour's way or Frankfurt's way" as a rallying clarion call some time ago. The Taoiseach has since accepted that Europe did not have the right policies at the outset of the crisis and the ECB did not deal with the issue as decisively and effectively as it could have. It imposed debts on Ireland through promissory notes that were unfair. We have a moral basis for renegotiating these as much as anything else.
There are a number of questions relating to the banking union.
(Speaker Continuing)
[Deputy Micheál Martin:
] What is our position on it? With regard to the regulating and governing role of the ECB, are we in favour of a union that involves all banks or do we support the German position which wants to limit it to 20 major systemic banks or approximately 200 banks? What is the position of the Taoiseach and the Government on the banking union and the extent of the remit of the ECB in terms of regulating the banks?
The Taoiseach:
I heard one of Deputy Martin's Deputies state after the collective assertion of their position this week that they were off the leash.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
We were in a modest location. There was no Carton House for us.
The Taoiseach:
The repayment of €3.1 billion every year for ten years is what is at stake. It is true to state Mr. Draghi has had a very fresh approach towards the ECB and in how he views the European Union. Ms Lagarde has been very supportive of Ireland as has Commissioner Rehn, the German Minister for Finance, Mr. Schaeuble, and Mr. Rasmussen. The focus is on putting all this goodwill and translating it into negotiations that would bring a result for us.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
What is the Taoiseach's position?
The Taoiseach:
We welcome progress towards a European banking union. It is highly ambitious.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
Does the Taoiseach support the Commission's view or the German view?
The Taoiseach:
We will continue to make this an issue when we assume the Presidency and building shared supervision at EU level is a crucial step towards what was decided at the June European Council meeting. The Commission has also proposed a phased approach to the single supervisory mechanism to be in place by 1 January. We believe this should be considered urgently and, significantly, when it is established it will open the way for the ESM to be used to recapitalise banks directly.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
Does the Taoiseach want all banks to be supervised?
The Taoiseach:
Deputy Martin asked whether a paper was prepared on treaty changes. No paper will be prepared on treaty changes until these matters are finalised to see in what eventuality a treaty change might have to take place.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
Is the Taoiseach in favour of the Commission's position that all banks be supervised by the ECB or of the German position?
The Taoiseach:
All banks.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
What about the technical paper between the troika and the Government? Does the Taoiseach remember the famous technical paper?
The Taoiseach:
Yes.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
The Taoiseach got approximately six months out of it on Leaders' Questions.
The Taoiseach:
Yes, we have moved beyond it.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
So it has disappeared.
The Taoiseach:
We have moved well beyond it.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
The Taoiseach is one of the best at spinning. He got half a year out of that technical paper which never existed.
Deputy Bernard J. Durkan:
Nobody can beat your good self.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
Was it shredded?
The Taoiseach:
I certainly cannot find anything on the other one.
Deputy Joe Higgins:
With regard to the banking debt and the European Union, I recall a movie from a long time ago called "The Secret Life of Words". Do these words have some secret meaning that I miss? The Taoiseach quoted them. He obtained a commitment in June to examine the situation of the Irish financial sector with a view of further improving the sustainability of the wealth performing adjustment programme. That is it. Would the Taoiseach agree that calling it a seismic shift is investing in very simple words meanings that have no relation to the reality and that his credibility has been badly undermined by Chancellor Merkel? What have the European Union leaders been saying to him concretely as he and the Minister for Finance have been lobbying them in this regard?
The Taoiseach:
In all of the comments Mr. Barroso has made in my listening to him at many meetings he has always been careful to distinguish between the role, responsibilities and policies of various countries. He has always singled out this country as a small country making headway in difficult times. His understanding of Ireland's position in so far as other countries are concerned with regard to membership of NATO and their views on the bigger issues of military connections throughout the world is very clear. With regard to these discussions, Deputy Higgins is aware that we receive emergency liquidity on an almost weekly basis and this cannot be translated into long-term finance. This is an issue for serious consideration by the Minister for Finance and his officials and others. What happened as referred to was a seismic shift because very few people who think they know all these things will have contemplated that the Heads of Government at European Council level would make a decision to break the link between sovereign and bank debt.
(Speaker Continuing)
[The Taoiseach:
] All of those who comment on these things never foresaw that this country would be written into the decision. The reason for that was, in part, because of the decision made by the Irish people, which the Deputy opposed, in respect of the fiscal stability treaty that strengthened the hand of our country and our negotiators in building trust with our colleagues and in having the support, which I outlined to Deputy Martin, of so many influential leaders and so many persons involved in positions of influence to deal with our particular problem. Our problem, of course, is that when the decision was made a number of years ago, we were burdened, unprecedentedly for a country in Europe, with a savage imposition and it is that problem which we need to deal with and why it is in the decision of 29 June. That is why it was a seismic shift for European countries and why the requirement of Italy to roll over billions every month and why the issues being debated and considered in respect of Spain and its enormous economy have a direct impact on Ireland.
Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett:
I do not know if Dr. Angela Merkel and EU leaders are making a fool of the Taoiseach or he is making a fool of the people of this country.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
Both.
Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett:
Someone is leading the people of this country on a merry dance where we are told there are negotiations and discussions that may lead to something and there are hopes of relief, but nothing materialises. Meanwhile the hammer of austerity falls again. People in this country are quaking in their shoes at the prospect of what may be done to them in the budget in December. The Taoiseach should not underestimate the fear and anxiety out there. He must know it. In the face of that, Dr. Angela Merkel said we are getting nothing. Are these negotiations, which the Taoiseach said he is pursuing, going to bring any relief to the public who are terrified about further austerity?
The Taoiseach:
The Deputy misses the point completely. I do not know where he was all summer. He should understand that we do not hold the cheque book here. We are in a bailout programme.
Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett:
Unsecured and unguaranteed bondholders-----
The Taoiseach:
The Cabinet cannot just make decisions for developments here and there because we are getting emergency liquidity assistance. The Deputy does not seem to realise that is the case and that our country is in a bailout position. As a republic, we do not have our economic independence. Our ambition is to get that back as quickly as possible. The European Central Bank, which supplies this country with money, has said we will not burn the senior bondholders and most of that money has been paid off. However, there is a recognition from the ECB, the Commission and the IMF that Ireland shouldered an enormous burden in the way this was done a number of years ago. Our job is to try to restructure and re-engineer that with benefits for everybody but it is not a simple as the Deputy pretends, that one can just bang the table and it happens.
Deputy Joe Higgins:
It is the Taoiseach who is airy-fairy.
Deputy Peter Mathews:
My question will follow a few observations that are extremely important. I sense the tension from our leader on the Government side and from the Opposition side. I sense a tension that is playing itself out in the other parliaments of Europe and I sense that over the past number of years Europe has been ruled by powerful vested interests and - I will use a word we all understand - bullies, but no one of stature and courage has stood up to challenge this undemocratic power.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
I hope the Deputy has a question at the end of this.
Deputy Peter Mathews:
This is important. If we keep doing what we have been doing, we will get more of what we have got. What we have got to date has been very disappointing despite really honest efforts, but we have not had the truth from other parliaments.
(Speaker Continuing)
[Deputy Peter Mathews:
] We have not had the truth from the German Parliament. In Germany they have not been told about the reality of the economic and financial standing of their country and their banks, and the debt that exists. Spain's banks have admitted they have a problem worth €100 billion but it is a minimum of five times that magnitude.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
I ask the Deputy to frame a question.
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
He is doing well.
Deputy Peter Mathews:
I ask everybody in this House to pay attention to these matters and to inform themselves rather than get distracted by the traditional accusation and counter accusation. We have to bring the truth of the problem to Germany. I will explain this matter of re-engineering more than 40 years of promissory notes very quickly and then I will sit down. The 40 year proposal for a bond means that, instead of a promissory note over ten years, the people of Ireland say they will take on a debt they do not owe to anybody. Fundamentally there is a problem in this. Why should we re-engineer and lengthen a debt that is not properly presentable to the people of Ireland? It is wrong. A 40 year bond at a lower interest rate will become an asset of a busted bank, the IBRC, and will earn income at the lower rate over 40 years while being used as security on a loan from the ECB. The loan from the ECB will repay the emergency liquidity assistance from the Central Bank of Ireland. It is all a nonsense of mirrors. We have to stop this nonsense and say we do not owe at least €70 billion to the ECB or the Central Bank because the origin of that money was the redemption of bonds that should not and could not be repaid from the resources of the banks in which they were invested. We have taken not one hit but €70 billion for Europe and that is wrong. We have to get that fundamental message across.
The Taoiseach:
I thank Deputy Mathews for his intervention. The point he made about massive flows of money is true in the sense that this was raised at European Council meetings before the ESM was set up and was raised in respect of the manipulation of money around the world. Clearly, with the presidential election coming in the United States, issues arise about fiscal cliffs, as they are seen there, and Mr. Bernanke has made his decisions.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
That concludes Taoiseach's questions.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
May I ask a brief question?
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
Very brief.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
I welcome what Deputy Mathews said.
Deputy Peter Mathews:
I 100% support the Taoiseach.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
He made a point about honest engagement and debate. The bottom line is that there is no transparency in what is happening. He referred to the 40 year bond. That was a headline in a newspaper today. We asked a basic question about it and the Taoiseach told us he does not speculate on headlines. He would not answer one single question about whether it is true, false or indifferent. That is the problem in this House. I asked a question about the troika paper. We were told for six to nine months that a technical paper was being prepared between the troika and the Government.
Deputy Peter Mathews:
The problems are bigger in Spain and Germany.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
I know all that.
Deputy Peter Mathews:
Europe is in a mess.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
That is the point we have been making for the last 12 months. I give some credit to Mario Draghi, in contrast with his predecessor.
Deputy Peter Mathews:
He is a former banker, a Goldman Sachs guy.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
The troika paper has disappeared into thin air. Apparently it does not exist. It was meant to set out various scenarios. Everyone in this House-----
Deputy Peter Mathews:
We are all on the same side.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
-----would be supportive in terms of debt sustainability but the position of not answering any questions in the House, not sharing information with the House-----
Deputy Bernard J. Durkan:
Deputy Martin would know all about the answers. Was he not there to meet the troika?
Deputy Micheál Martin:
-----is not helping an honest debate in this country or across the eurozone in general. That is the basic point I have been trying to make.
Deputy Peter Mathews:
The debate here is honest. In Germany it is not.
The Taoiseach:
Our intention is to re-engineer and restructure the level of debt on our people. It is a pity that Deputy Martin was not as forthright and strong when he went off to make the decision in the first place, which left us with the €3.1 billion for ten years.
Deputy Paul Kehoe:
Hear, hear.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
He is back at it again.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
Please-----
The Taoiseach:
He is not off the leash on that.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
We are out of time.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
The Taoiseach accepted on the record that Europe made a mistake.
The Taoiseach:
He will not be.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
The Taoiseach is back to adversarial and partisan politics.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
I call Deputy Adams.
Deputy Gerry Adams:
We may have stumbled on a way of having better discussions and informed debates in this House. Deputy Mathews answered my question about the 40 year bond in a clear and concise way. The Taoiseach just ignored my question. I wanted to move on to very important questions about the North. I have been sitting here for nearly 45 minutes listening to a rerun. I suggest to the Taoiseach, with respect, that perhaps in these questions he should allow Deputy Mathews to come forward. The Deputy would answer them in a more concise and clear way.
Deputy Peter Mathews:
Forget the point scoring.
The Taoiseach:
We have a lot of questions for Deputy Adams.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle: The matters raised by Deputies Paschal Donohoe, Charlie McConalogue, Anthony Lawlor and Kevin Humphreys have been selected for discussion.
I wish to advise the House of the following matters in respect of which notice has been given under Standing Order 27A and the name of the Member in each case: (1) Deputy Paschal Donohoe - the need to provide an update on the discussions regarding those persons suffering from thalidomide; (2) Deputy Michael Healy-Rae - the problems facing the farming community this winter because of the bad weather during the summer; (3) Deputy Patrick O'Donovan - the urgent need for the establishment of a DNA database as an aid to fighting crime; (4) Deputy Jerry Buttimer - the need for the Commission for Energy Regulation to prioritise householders when considering requests from energy providers to increase prices; (5) Deputy Derek Keating - the problems with receiving social welfare payments at Lucan village, Dublin; (6) Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn - the impact of €3.5 million worth of cuts on Letterkenny General Hospital, County Donegal, over the next four months; (7) Deputy Pat Deering - the changes to the school transport system and the possible effects on school building projects; (8) Deputy Brendan Griffin - the threatened loss of 30 jobs at Simpson Strong-Tie, Killorglin, County Kerry; (9) Deputy Anthony Lawlor - the provision of new school buildings in the Kildare north area; (10) Deputy Charlie McConalogue - the need to discuss the Bank of Ireland postgraduate loan scheme; (11) Deputy Joe Higgins - the actions of Clare County Council in linking the household charge with the awarding of third level grants; (12) Deputy Martin Ferris - the status of the investigation into the loss of the Père Charles trawler; (13) Deputy Billy Kelleher - the recent agreement reached at the Labour Relations Commission with the medical organisations; (14) Deputy Joan Collins - the actions of Clare County Council in linking the household charge with the awarding of third level grants; (15) Deputy Jonathan O'Brien - the need to address conditions at Rushbrooke national school, Cobh, County Cork; (16) Deputy Kevin Humphreys - the ongoing uncertainty regarding the Poolbeg waste-to-energy incinerator, Dublin; (17) Deputy Timmy Dooley - the possible link between the household charge with the payment of third level grants; (18) Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin - Health Service Executive plans to cut hospital beds, reduce staff numbers and curtail services in the Louth-Meath Hospital Group; (19) Deputy Brian Stanley - the decision by Clare County Council to link the awarding of third level grants with the household charge and (20) Deputy Mick Wallace - the completion and publication of the expert group on abortion.
The Taoiseach:
It is proposed to take No. 4, National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Bill 2012 - Order for Second Stage and Second Stage. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that the Dáil shall sit later than 9 p.m. and shall adjourn on the adjournment of Private Members’ Business which shall be No. 57, motion re confidence in the Minister for Health, and shall take place on the conclusion of the opening speeches of No. 4 or at 7.30 p.m. whichever is the later, and shall, if not previously concluded, adjourn after 90 minutes.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
Is the proposal that the Dáil shall sit later than 9 p.m. agreed to? Agreed.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
The Fiscal Advisory Council has published a weighty and substantive report on the current situation of the economy and, in particular, on debt sustainability and policy regarding consolidation of the public finances. It makes serious, if somewhat unpalatable, recommendations. What concerns me is that the only response from the Government to date has been to the effect that it is not bound by the council's decisions. We are all agreed that in the current climate the establishment of the Fiscal Advisory Council is welcome in terms of providing objective independent advice to the Government and the Oireachtas. Would the Taoiseach agree to a structured debate on the report by putting it before the House and inviting members of the council to the relevant committee in order that members could flesh out the content of the report in greater detail?
Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett:
They are coming in.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
It is somewhat disconcerting that there has been an almost nonchalant dismissal of the report because it raises serious issues in regard to our current trajectory. Whatever one's perspective, we need to discuss it.
Will the Taoiseach indicate when he will publish the Thornhill report on property tax?
(Speaker Continuing)
[Deputy Micheál Martin:
] The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government confirmed that it has been with the Government since June. Given the significant debate on the matter in the media and among the public, the publication of the report would be of benefit.
The Taoiseach:
I would have no objection to the Fiscal Advisory Council report being debated here and reported to the joint committee. That debate would be worthwhile. It could be tied into an economic debate in the House about circumstances as we move ahead.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
Could it not be published now?
The Taoiseach:
I will keep the House informed as to when that will be. The Minister will come to Government first with his recommendations arising from the Thornhill report.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
So much has been published by the Government, through leaks and otherwise, about this tax. The Government announced something else today. Surely, the easiest thing would be to publish it.
The Taoiseach:
I am not nominating a date for its publication.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
This is obfuscation again.
The Taoiseach:
I will have the Minister for Health, Deputy Reilly, confirm the position regarding the delegated statutory authority for primary care. That is a political decision for the Minister and the Minister of State.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
It is a matter for the Government.
The Taoiseach:
It is a political decision.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
It is not a political decision. It is a definitive governmental decision to delegate authority to a Minister of State.
The Taoiseach:
The Minister informs the Cabinet.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
When the Taoiseach announced the members of the Cabinet and the Ministers of State, he appointed Deputy Róisín Shortall as Minister of State with specific responsibility for primary care.
The Taoiseach:
There is no need for Deputy Martin to explain that.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
The Taoiseach made a wrong statement. He said this is a personal decision for the Minister for Health.
The Taoiseach:
The Minister notifies the Cabinet and that is the way it applies.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
It is a Government decision and the Taoiseach is the Head of the Government.
The Taoiseach:
Yes.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
He should not try to push the decision down the line.
The Taoiseach:
Neither should the Deputy try to put words in my mouth.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
Why has it not happened? Deputy Kenny is the Taoiseach. The Government has been in office for 18 months.
The Taoiseach:
It is a political decision. The Minister delegates a function to the Minister of State.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
No. It goes before the Cabinet.
The Taoiseach:
I said I will have the Minister confirm the position in the House.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
The Cabinet has to agree the decision.
The Taoiseach:
Yes.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
It is extraordinary that a Minister of State, in writing to her Minister, says she has asked, time and time again, for delegated authority and has not been given it. The Taoiseach is the Head of the Government. He knows the responsibilities he allocated to each Minister of State when he appointed them. Now, a year and a half later, we find that one Minister of State has no delegated authority to discharge her duties and is being attacked by her Minister for failure to deal with budgetary overruns even though she has no delegated authority to deal with them.
The Taoiseach:
The Deputy is making a mountain out of a molehill.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
I am not making a mountain out of anything. The Minister of State, Deputy Shortall, has put this in writing to her Minister. It is in the public domain, thanks to freedom of information legislation.
Deputy Timmy Dooley:
The Labour Party does not really matter in all of this.
The Taoiseach:
The Minister, Deputy Reilly, and the Ministers of State, Deputies Shortall and Lynch, will not renege on their responsibilities in the Department of Health as Deputy Martin did.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
That is the usual old rubbish from the Taoiseach. He should have some respect.
The Taoiseach:
There was report after report.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
Deputy Kenny is the Taoiseach. When will the Minister of State, Deputy Shortall, be delegated statutory authority by the Government?
The Taoiseach:
We are driving on.
Deputy Gerry Adams:
I leith reachtaíocht atá forógraithe, I welcome the fact that the Government has concluded its position on the referendum on children's rights. It was a good thing to establish the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and that Deputy Frances Fitzgerald was given the post of Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. Deputy Ó Caoláin has done work on this issue over a long time and Sinn Féin has co-operated with the Minister on this issue. I hope I will not be disappointed with what comes forward.
The Taoiseach:
I thank Deputy Adams for his comments on the referendum on children's rights. It is out of courtesy that I informed the House that the Cabinet this morning finalised its decision in respect of the wording of the constitutional amendment and decided to publish the adoption Bill simultaneously with the referendum Bill. I will not give any further information, because the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs had already briefed Opposition parties and will continue to do so. She will give a briefing tomorrow morning on the wording of the amendment, the adoption Bill and the person appointed to chair the commission. Today, I simply wish to give the House the date of the referendum. I will make no other comment about the wording of the amendment or the content of the referendum Bill.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
When will the referendum take place?
The Taoiseach:
On Saturday, 10 November.
Deputy Gerry Adams:
Agus an cheist faoin tSeanad?
The Taoiseach:
There is no proposal to publish that legislation yet.
Deputy Joe Higgins:
Has there been a secret statutory instrument to give county councils the right to threaten students seeking third level grants over whether their parents have paid the household tax? I ask this because the Minister for Education and Skills scandalously, and quite disgracefully, championed this bullying of students instead of championing the right of students to their education. Has the Minister been reprimanded for his encouragement of this bullying of students by Clare County Council?
The Taoiseach:
The Minister for Education and Skills was very clear. Clare County Council, on its own initiative, must process applications for third level grants.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
It is not on its own initiative.
The Taoiseach:
It is quite in order for the council to seek to find out if households which have lodged applications for assistance in respect of third level education are in compliance with the legal requirement to pay the household charge.
Deputy Joe Higgins:
There is no legal requirement.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
There is no legal basis for the council's action.
Deputy Sandra McLellan:
It is outrageous.
The Taoiseach:
The same applies if a disabled person applies for a grant to build a back kitchen and must produce a C2 certificate.
Deputy Gerry Adams:
That is a house application.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
That is quite different.
The Taoiseach:
Questions are always asked about the payment of the non-principal private residence charge. This is nothing new.
Deputy Joe Higgins:
What has that do to with students?
The Taoiseach:
Deputy Higgins might not like this but it is unfair to the majority of people who have paid the charge to suggest that others should not make the effort to do so.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
The Government has the means to deal with non-payment.
The Taoiseach:
Clare County Council, on its own initiative, is entirely in order in doing what it has done
Deputy Joe Higgins:
Some 50% of people have not paid the tax.
Deputy Paul Kehoe:
Deputy Higgins wants to have everything and pay for nothing.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
Deputies, there are other ways of raising this issue. It is not order to discuss it on the Order of Business.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
I do not want to be disorderly, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, but it is appropriate on the Order of Business to ask if there is a legal basis for the county council demand. Unless some statutory instrument has been laid by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, there is no legal basis for it. The Taoiseach has confirmed there is not. In that case, neither the House nor the Government should condone any agency engaging in behaviour that has no legal basis, irrespective of our views on things. We should not condone that.
The Taoiseach:
Clare County Council is processing applications for third level grants. The council wrote to applicants to identify whether their households had paid the household charge. It is a legal charge.
(Speaker Continuing)
[The Taoiseach:
] There is no secret statutory instrument that has a legal basis for the collection of it. This was a voluntary payment and a significant majority of people have paid the household charge. There is a legal requirement to do it. The county council is entitled to ask applicants for further assistance and third level grants if those households have paid the charge. That would be in order. There would be no legal basis to say we can force a person to do this because Clare County Council has pointed out it does not want to see any further delays in the processing of applications.
Deputy Timmy Dooley:
Could this be dealt with in some other way?
The Taoiseach:
It should be pointed out that it is only fair that everyone pays the household charge because it is used for facilities like processing applications for third level grants.
Deputy Paul Kehoe:
Did Deputy Dooley pay the household charge?
Deputy Bernard J. Durkan:
Will the companies Bill be dealt with in the current session and will it pass all Stages before the end of the session? I have particular regard to the concerns expressed about non-observance of company law by the retiring Director of Corporate Enforcement.
The Taoiseach:
The companies Bill is expected to be published this session.
Deputy Bernard J. Durkan:
Is there a possibility it will pass all Stages before the end of this session?
The Taoiseach:
We must see how it gets on when it is introduced in both Houses.
Deputy Joe Higgins:
If it is like the banking debt, it will go a bit further than that.
Deputy Bernard J. Durkan:
The Deputy should not be so pessimistic about that.
Deputy Joe Higgins:
There will be no seismic shift.
Deputy Michael Healy-Rae:
When will the Charities Act 2009 be implemented?
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
That is not related to promised legislation.
Deputy Michael Healy-Rae:
Yes, but I have raised the issue before and it is a very important issue to thousands of people.
Deputy Tom Hayes:
Deputy Mattie McGrath is driving round south Tipperary in his van advising people what to do with their televisions.
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
I advise them on more than that.
Deputy Michael Healy-Rae:
I would like to hear what the Taoiseach has to say about this.
The Taoiseach:
The Deputy is looking well since I met him in the street in Killarney. The Charities Act has been in operation since 2009 but the conditions are the subject of a debate in the Seanad tomorrow. The Minister supports that and I will have a response for the Deputy on the implementation of the conditions.
Deputy Michael Healy-Rae:
Thousands of people currently have a service and on 24 October, they will not. We are not talking about those who had a problem in the past but who will have a problem after 24 October.
The Taoiseach:
I am glad the Deputy raised the issue because Deputy Rabbitte does not have any control over this. The television screens across Europe will go blank on the analogue system on 24 October.
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
The Taoiseach will not be able to see Angela.
The Taoiseach:
That is why well known personalities have been out to advise people to change over now in good time so that for those who follow television, the arrangement can be made and when the switch-over comes, they will have Saorview and if they want to go further, they will have other options.
Deputy Dessie Ellis:
We have all seen the report on the taxi industry and the recommendations in it. Some of them have been introduced but others are more contentious. There is a serious over-supply of taxis in Dublin and many people are struggling in the industry. Some time this year, the taxi regulation Bill is to appear before the Dáil. I welcome the chance to debate this and would like to know when we can expect this Bill and when it will go before the Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications. This is a serious problem faced by the industry as a whole.
The Taoiseach:
This matter was the subject of the presentation by the Minister of State, Deputy Alan Kelly at Cabinet some time ago. Given the range of legislation that had to be prioritised in the last session, it did not make it through but the Bill will be published early in this session. This is an important debate because we must ensure the cowboys in the industry are removed from it and prevented from taking away from the legitimate activity of taxi drivers. This matter is of great interest to many people and the Bill will be published in the early part of the session.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
I ask Deputies to be brief because many Deputies are offering.
Deputy Tom Barry:
Can I ask the Taoiseach if there has been any progress with the human tissue Bill? Have informed consultations taken place with all stakeholders or will that happen soon? When can we expect the heads of the Bill?
The Taoiseach:
There is no date for the publication of the human tissue Bill. I will send a report to the Deputy on the work underway on that legislation.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
I would like the Taoiseach to correct the record of the House. During Leaders' Questions, I asked about health and the Taoiseach responded by telling a story that he met with a company in Kiltimagh called Home Care Medicals that stores unused equipment. He gave a misrepresentation of the work of that company that seems to arise from a misunderstanding the Taoiseach had with the owner of the company and with many other companies in terms of the success of SMEs in procuring contracts from the State. In essence, the company never complained to the Taoiseach about inaction by the HSE on anything. It is a very successful small company employing 90 people who are involved in recycling medical technology and equipment. The Taoiseach has a tendency to come in here and make up stories. He should correct the record of the House relating to a third party about whose business the Taoiseach seriously misled the House when answering a question I asked during Leaders' Questions.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
That is not for the Order of Business.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
It is. It relates to a correction of remarks about a third party.
The Taoiseach:
I visited this company yesterday. On a county by county basis its warehouse is full of equipment that is decontaminated, wrapped, bar coded and ready to use. There are people across the country waiting for beds, hoists and wheelchairs who cannot get them while this warehouse is full of such equipment. The reason for that is the structure that was set up in the beginning was on a county basis so a person from Carlow looking for a bed cannot have a bed from the warehouse if it is not in the Carlow section. That is the most stupid bureaucratic administration I have ever come across. There is at least €3 million of equipment in there. I met the owner, his wife and the staff yesterday and they do a superb job.
Deputy Dessie Ellis:
On a point of order, if the leader of a party has spoken on the Order of Business, can he come back in again? I am curious because I do not know the rule on this.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
Yes, he can.
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
Under the strategic infrastructure Bill, I asked several times before the recess about the disappointing weather conditions we had all year, particularly since the spring, and the damage that has been done to crops for farmers. When we have a flood in a small area, a special committee meets to deal with the issue. This is a huge issue that affects the rural population that is dependent on agriculture. It will have huge consequences for the winter if some action is not taken to look at this. It falls under the legislation for strategic infrastructure. The Taoiseach knows what I am talking about.
The Taoiseach:
I am not sure what the Deputy is getting at but the Minister extended the slurry spreading season by two weeks. Clearly, the issue of poor weather in the early part of the season had a direct impact on farming incomes. I am glad that towards the close of the season, the weather improved, and great work was done, both day and night, to gather crops as farmers always do.
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
They had huge losses though.
Deputy Joan Collins:
When will the report of the special advisory group on the X case legislation be brought to the House? It is well overdue, as it was supposed to be before the House prior to the summer recess.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
That was raised earlier.
The Taoiseach:
The committee dealing with the A, B and C v. Ireland case was granted an extension to provide its report, which I understand is towards the end of September.
Deputy Willie O'Dea:
Why? What does it want to know for?
Deputy Anthony Lawlor:
When does the Taoiseach propose to bring the mental capacity Bill before the House?
The Taoiseach:
This session.
Deputy Timmy Dooley:
Can we get some clarity from the Taoiseach because he has attempted to answer this question on a number of occasions? Is he saying it is appropriate for Clare County Council or any other local authority-----
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
We have had this already.
Deputy Timmy Dooley:
With respect, is the Taoiseach saying it is appropriate for a local authority not to pay an education grant on the basis of whether the household charge has been paid? If so, he is clearly setting a dangerous precedent. Would he find it acceptable if the postmistress refused to pay children's allowance on the basis that a household had not paid the television licence? If he does, when will he bring appropriate legislation before the House to devolve the criminal justice system to the agencies of the State outside of the well established principles of the courts? Is he suggesting that local authorities can go ahead and enforce laws without them ever having been seen in this House? If he finds that a democratic approach to running this country, it says a lot about him and his Government. Can I have a straight answer on this?
The Taoiseach:
The Deputy should go back to Kilbaha and clear his head. There is no promised legislation on this matter.
Deputy Timmy Dooley:
Why not?
The Taoiseach:
Clare County Council has queried applicants who have lodged claims for third level grants as to whether their households have paid the-----
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
So has South Tipperary.
Deputy Timmy Dooley:
Is that in line with the Data Commissioner's request about information?
The Taoiseach:
There is not promised legislation. That is what the Deputy is supposed to raise on the Order of Business.
Deputy Micheál Martin:
That is not democracy.
Deputy Michael Colreavy:
When will the heads of the proposed mineral developments Bill be published? Will it incorporate the issue of transparency and accountability in the granting of exploration and extraction licences?
The Taoiseach:
The Bill will be published this session. There is clarity and accountability about the granting of licences and anything beyond them in respect of the development of natural resources.
Deputy Michael McGrath:
I understand from comments made by the Minister for Finance that the Government will introduce a separate finance Bill to deal with the property tax around the time of the budget. Will the Taoiseach confirm the Government will not make any announcement or provide any details on the property tax until then? He confirmed earlier that the tax would come into effect in July next year. I am sure he has dealt with the question of whether in 2013 people will be required to pay half the charge or a full annual charge. If he could at least clarify that matter now, it would be of assistance.
The Taoiseach:
There will not be any comment from the Government until it has made its collective decision in respect of the property tax and that will deal with the matters the Deputy has quite rightly raised.
Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett:
Setting aside our different views on the morality of what Clare County Council has done and the precedent it may set, has the council legal authority to refuse third level grants to students whose parents have not paid the household charge?
Deputy Regina Doherty:
Nobody is refusing anything.
Deputy Jonathan O'Brien:
The council is refusing to process applications.
Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett:
I thought the only legal basis for refusing third level grants is failure to meet the eligibility criteria. Has anything changed legally? In other words, it does not matter and people will get the grant.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
The Deputy is wasting time.
Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett:
Could we have clarity on that?
The Taoiseach:
There is no date for the publication of the housing Bill; it is quite a distance away.
Deputy Timmy Dooley:
The Taoiseach cannot believe that.
The Taoiseach:
It never made any suggestion about refusing anything.
Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett:
The Taoiseach does not have to answer the question about the household charge.
Deputy Jonathan O'Brien:
I do not know whether the Taoiseach has seen the letter from Clare County Council but it states clearly that to process the application, it is seeking proof of payment of the household charge. That is unacceptable and it is not good enough for him to come into the House and wash his hands of it.
Deputy Robert Dowds:
Should people break the law?
Deputy Jonathan O'Brien:
It was also not good enough for the Minister for Education and Skills to support the move by Clare County Council this morning. The Taoiseach and the Minister have a responsibility to ensure that people have access to education and they should not support moves by any county council that prevent access to education. The Taoiseach's comments are not good enough.
Deputy Patrick O'Donovan:
In light of the recent display of paramilitarism at a funeral in Dublin, does the Taoiseach believe the Offences Against the State Acts is robust enough to deal with these goings on? Are there plans to amend this legislation?
The Taoiseach:
This matter is being dealt with by the Garda Commissioner who is well aware of the implications of this incident and of the comments of the Minister for Justice and Equality who found these actions reprehensible in the extreme.
Deputy Paschal Donohoe:
I am grateful for the opportunity to raise this matter. I will begin with two dates and one number. The first date is 27 November 1961 and the second is 27 July 2012.
(Speaker Continuing)
[Deputy Paschal Donohoe:
] The first date, 27 November 1961, is the date on which most authorities worldwide became aware of the highly dangerous and serious effects of thalidomide on mothers and unborn children. The second date, 27 July 2012, is the date on which survivors of thalidomide began to take matters into their own hands individually by initiating individual actions against the State due to their dissatisfaction with the manner in which their plight has been handled by the State to this point. The figure to which I refer is 32, which is the number of people who are known to the State to be survivors and who are dealing with the effects of thalidomide on their lives. This is an issue with which a number of Governments have grappled unsuccessfully in recent years. A number of decisions were made over the summer on how this issue will be moved forward by the present Administration. I acknowledge my colleague, Deputy Kevin Humphreys, also sought to raise this issue in the House with the Minister. I am aware of the difficulty a government, including our Government, can face in being obliged to respond to a particular claim by any group, as well as of the responsibility it has to the broader society and to dealing with any claim fairly and well. However, in raising this issue, my point is the future health and quality of life of many of those who have been affected in this way is unknown. They do not know what the future will hold for them and many are surprised they have got to this point. It is important for them that within such an environment of uncertainty, they are clear on where the State and the Government stand in respect of their claim and on how we wish to support them in the future.
Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy Ciarán Cannon):
I am pleased to take this opportunity to outline, on behalf of the Minister for Health, the Government's position on the Irish survivors of thalidomide. The commitment in the programme for Government is to reopen discussions with survivors and this is what the Government is committed to doing. The Government recognises the challenges that persist for thalidomide survivors as they get older. In recognition of this, the Minister has proposed an ex gratia payment and a health care assessment package. The Minister, Deputy Reilly, has met both groups representing Irish survivors of thalidomide and has been trying to make progress on reaching an agreement that takes account of their concerns and in particular, their health and personal social care needs. The State has been making payments to Irish survivors of thalidomide since 1975 although it does not bear a legal liability. The payments were designed to augment payments made by the German foundation set up specifically under German law to compensate survivors of the drug. When German and Irish payments are combined, most individuals receive €30,386 per annum or €2,572 per month tax-free. Moreover, each individual is automatically entitled to a medical card.
The Irish Thalidomide Association has stated it fundamentally disagrees with the State's position and is unwilling to engage on this basis. In July 2012, the Irish Thalidomide Association, through its solicitor, submitted 17 personal-injury claims to the Minister. The Minister has asked the State Claims Agency to consider the submissions. The Irish Thalidomide Survivors Society, ITSS, has written to the Health Service Executive, HSE, regarding the extent and scope of the assessment process. Some major issues raised by the society unfortunately are outside the remit of the Department of Health. The Minister has requested the ITSS, in good faith, to continue to engage and participate in a health care assessment process in order to assist the HSE in addressing the future health care needs of Irish survivors of thalidomide. An assessment process will be managed by the HSE through Beaumont Hospital. The Minister wishes to make clear he always is available to meet representatives of survivors of thalidomide and is committed to a non-statutory solution.
Deputy Paschal Donohoe:
I thank the Minister of State for his response and acknowledge the Government and the Minister are committed to resolving this matter. I raise it because we have reached a significant point in the issue's development on foot of the decision made by the Irish Thalidomide Association to initiate individual actions. I urge the Government to do all it can to render unnecessary this action. My concern is one must be careful regarding language such as, for example, a financial gesture of goodwill. While I understand the reason one might choose such language, these people genuinely deserve, on a moral level, far more than a gesture of goodwill from the State. I urge the Government to do all it can to ensure the commitment contained in the programme for Government is delivered in an imaginative and creative manner because having met people who deal with this issue in their day-to-day lives, I believe they do not consider this to be the case, which is the reason they have taken the individual actions. I urge the Government to do all it can to ensure their fears are not met and that it responds to them in the manner I believe it should.
Deputy Ciarán Cannon:
I certainly undertake to pass on Deputy Donohoe's concerns to the Minister. I again assure him that at this point, the Minister's principal concern is to provide a health care package, as well as meaningful discussions on what he describes as a financial gesture of goodwill. I would be interested to hear what Deputy Donohoe's alternative wording might be for this gesture for the survivors. The Minister is ambitious to provide a reasonable and compassionate response aimed at meeting the medical and other needs of survivors over the coming years.
Deputy Charlie McConalogue:
I wish to raise the issue as to how it came to pass that the Department of Education and Skills signed off on and worked with Bank of Ireland on a punitive interest rate of 10.8% for postgraduate loans to be provided to postgraduate students. In last December's budget, the Government signed off on the abolition of postgraduate grants for new students entering third level from this year. At the time, Fianna Fáil stated this was a wrong and illogical decision from both a social and an economic point of view. One must ensure equality of access at both undergraduate or postgraduate level. It is vital to the future of the economy in respect of producing highly skilled graduates and of attracting high-skill jobs. According to the figures from the 2010-11 academic year, 34,740 people studied at postgraduate level, which constitutes an increase of 26% on the figures from five years previously. According to the most recent figures available, 6,720 people, out of more than 21,000 full-time postgraduate students, availed of a postgraduate grant last year. This constitutes an overall proportion of approximately 31% of postgraduate students who availed of and qualified for a maintenance grant and therefore for their fees as well.
(Speaker Continuing)
[Deputy Charlie McConalogue:
] In addition, he promised to row back on a previous increase of €500. If we fast-forward to after the general election, the party's spokesperson on education and now Minister for Education and Skills, instead of standing in a photograph with students, was standing in a photograph with the CEO of the largest bank in the country, encouraging students to take a loan from the bank at an interest rate of 10.8%. This is the Minister who went back on his previous promise not to increase registration fees and also abolished maintenance grants for post-graduate students meaning that they are now liable for fees and those who previously qualified for a maintenance grant are no longer eligible.
Deputy Ciarán Cannon:
I am taking this important matter on behalf of the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Quinn, and I thank Deputy McConalogue for raising it. The Deputy is referring to a recent announcement by Bank of Ireland regarding its postgraduate loan initiative for current and prospective students, providing finance for fees and living costs. The approach to dealing with the current difficulties in the public finances has meant that in making very difficult choices, the burden has been spread as fairly as possible.
Deputy Charlie McConalogue:
I am very disappointed that the Minister of State did not outline why the best the Minister could do when negotiating with the banks for a loan scheme was an interest rate of 10.8%, particularly when credit unions, with which the Government did not engage, are able to offer students loans at a rate of 6%. It is a pathetic effort on behalf of the Government that this is the best that can be done, particularly coming from a Government that had promised not to increase the fees for which those students now must find the money. The Minister of State's party promised to introduce a student loan scheme to be backed and operated by the State. This is similar to schemes in other countries where loans are available to students at interest rates close to zero. We only need to look across the water to Britain for an example of that.
Deputy Ciarán Cannon:
The current variable interest rate of 10.8% APR is below the existing standard unsecured personal loan rates, which are 14.8% APR for a loan of less than €5,000 and also below the existing standard student loan rate of 11.9% APR. If, as the Deputy has said, credit unions are offering rates substantially lower than the 10.8% offered by Bank of Ireland, I am sure postgraduate students are more than capable of making the right decision in choosing the financial institution to support them in their postgraduate education.
Deputy Anthony Lawlor:
I thank the Minister of State for attending. I compliment the Minister, Deputy Quinn, on the provision of six new schools in north Kildare, in Naas, Celbridge and Maynooth where new schools will be built, and in Clane, Celbridge and Kilcock where major extensions will take place.
(Speaker Continuing)
[Deputy Anthony Lawlor:
] The question I had to ask at the time was whether due diligence had been given during the tendering process to the company that had been awarded the contract. I thought lessons might have been learned. However, I recently discovered issues have arisen in regard to the tendering process in respect of a project at a second school in my parish of Ardcath.
Deputy Ciarán Cannon:
I thank Deputy Lawlor for raising this matter which provides me with an opportunity to outline to the House the Government's strategy for capital investment in education projects over the next five years and specifically the procedures for tendering public works contracts to meet the projected demographic need during this period.
Deputy Anthony Lawlor:
I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive reply. However, I remain concerned about the level of below cost tendering for many projects. As I stated, below cost tenders are not always the best option. Just because under EU regulations we are obliged to take the lowest tender does not mean we are getting the best value.
Deputy Ciarán Cannon:
I will briefly outline for the Deputy the process by which this particular contractor was appointed. Initially, nine contractors submitted tenders. The contractor appointed at the end of the process was deemed to have submitted the most economically advantageous tender. The design team engaged by the Department then undertook a serious due diligence of the tender before submitting their report to the Department. Further checks, by way of the submission of particular documentation, were also undertaken before appointment of the contractor. The contractor concerned met all the criteria required at each stage of the tender process and was duly appointed.
Deputy Kevin Humphreys:
I thank the Minister, Deputy Hogan, for coming to the Chamber to deal with this Topical Issue matter. I am fully aware that this problem is not one of his making but dates back to former Minister, Dick Roche, who signed the contract as he was running out of office, leaving a shambles to be dealt with by others.
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
I get worried when a Deputy says that I must intervene in something. The Poolbeg project, as Deputy Humphreys indicated, is provided for in the Dublin regional waste management plan, for which the four Dublin local authorities have statutory responsibility under the Waste Management Acts. The facility is being advanced by Dublin city Council, albeit with the caveats that the Deputy has outlined, in conjunction with Covanta Energy and DONG Energy.
Deputy Kevin Humphreys:
I thank the Minister for his response. I advise him that the transcript of proceedings of the Committee of Public Accounts on the occasion that officials were questioned on the cost involved and the methodology used in respect of the proposed incinerator is required viewing. My colleague, Deputy Eoghan Murphy, did an excellent job on highlighting the facts and the issues involved at the Committee of Public Accounts. I recommend that the Minister reads the transcript. I know he is extremely busy and that sometimes briefs are prepared for him but I ask him to take a step back and read the proceedings of the Committee of Public Accounts. As he rightly said, there is a need for certainty in waste management market. This project has been considered and planned for 15 years. It is outdated and we do not need to plan for it.
(Speaker Continuing)
[Deputy Kevin Humphreys:
] The Minister knows as well as I do that there are companies on the sideline prepared to step in and develop the recycle and reuse industry. One of our semi-State companies has a planning permission application on hold because it is waiting to see what will happen with this incinerator. We have 900,000 tonnes of waste going to landfill that can be composted, yet we are talking about an incinerator. Investment in the composting element of it would be a far better approach.
Deputy Phil Hogan:
The difficulty is that we have a contractual obligation which provides legal obligations on the State. We have to be extremely careful in the manner in which we deal with these issues. Otherwise, we will expose the State even further in terms of infrastructure that was contracted but not delivered. All I can do at the moment as Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government is outline the country's waste policy. I have done that with my colleagues in Government when we were trying to move away entirely from landfill. We are not entirely sure if we will meet our landfill obligations in 2014-15. We are in difficulty in that respect. It depends on economic growth and the type of investment we have in infrastructure in providing alternatives to landfill.
Acting Chairman (Deputy Tom Hayes):
Seanad Éireann has passed the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Bill 2012, without amendment; the Electorate (Amendment)(Political Funding) Bill 2011, without amendment; and the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and other Provisions) Bill 2011, without amendment.
Acting Chairman (Deputy Tom Hayes):
The Select Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality has completed its consideration of the Personal Insolvency Bill 2012 and has made amendments thereto.
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I move: "That Second Stage be taken now."
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time."
Deputy Niall Collins:
I thank the Minister.
Deputy Alan Shatter:
I wish him well in his brief. I am sure there will be all kinds of issues he will pursue me on but I hope that in the national interest there will be issues on which we can co-operate. I am sure we will have some interesting exchanges in the House.
(Speaker Continuing)
[Deputy Alan Shatter:
] It is not feasible or desirable to vet every parent assisting at every school or sports or community activity in the country. Instead, we have to be practical and the Bill therefore focuses on requiring vetting for persons such as sports coaches or trainers or youth workers or teachers, or any other persons, paid or unpaid, who are working with children or vulnerable persons on an ongoing basis.
(Speaker Continuing)
[Deputy Alan Shatter:
] This is important in order to ensure that the reporting requirement under this Bill is distinct from and in addition to the obligation to report concerns to the HSE under the Children First Bill, which my colleague, the Minister, Deputy Fitzgerald, is preparing. There is a separate obligation to report where there are allegations of, for example, child abuse to the Garda Síochána in the context of the withholding of information Act, which came into force only a few weeks ago.
Deputy Niall Collins:
I thank the Minister for his opening remarks on this important legislation. The Bill is topical, given today's announcement on the forthcoming referendum, which I will discuss later.
(Speaker Continuing)
[Deputy Niall Collins:
] That is also an issue that must be revisited as the Bill passes through the Oireachtas.
(Speaker Continuing)
[Deputy Niall Collins:
] Such a person is not included and neither are those working on a pro bono basis such as maintenance staff. It is difficult to get it right and to achieve a definition that will be all-encompassing. The general term "giving assistance" needs to be fleshed out a little more.
We will table a number of amendments to the Bill on Committee Stage.
Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn:
Sinn Féin welcomes the Bill as an important step in improving the child protection structures in the State. In 2011 a report by the special rapporteur on child protection, Geoffrey Shannon, exposed the alarming inadequacy of laws, procedures and resources to protect children from abuse. The lack of regulated access to soft information on potential abusers of children was one of the main issues that needed to be addressed so it is heartening to see the Minister has brought this forward as one of the first pieces of legislation to be dealt with during this Dáil term.
(Speaker Continuing)
[Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn:
] Both Ireland and Britain have enacted legislation to ensure convicted sex offenders notify authorities of their whereabouts and progress has been made on information sharing in regard to sex offenders. However, while agencies in the North risk manage all sex offenders in a structured way, risk management approaches are only now being advanced in the Twenty-six Counties. Common legislation and policy development on a North-South basis is essential to prevent certain individuals from exploiting the Border.
Deputy John Halligan:
I am sharing time with Deputies Pringle and Finian McGrath.
Acting Chairman (Deputy Joanna Tuffy):
Is that agreed? Agreed. They have ten minutes each.
Deputy John Halligan:
The Bill marks a significant process and progress in the direction of Ireland's commitment to improving child protection and welfare. The process of vetting places a very worthwhile burden on bureaucracy, businesses, community groups, volunteers and prospective adoptive parents. Ireland has been long overdue in meeting the recommendations set out by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child in 2006 and it is vital that anyone working with children or young people is properly vetted.
Deputy Thomas Pringle:
I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate on the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Bill, which is very important. The need to vet people who have access to children or vulnerable persons is vitally important as is the need to ensure there is an adequate and timely vetting service available to people. The Minister said approximately 300,000 vettings take place every year. I wonder how many of those 300,000 are duplications. In 2003, around the time of the Special Olympics, I was vetted because I was chairperson of a host committee in Killybegs. To date, I still have not heard whether I passed. I presume the fact I have not heard means I was probably an acceptable person. That is an important issue, although I know it is nine years down the line.
(Speaker Continuing)
[Deputy Thomas Pringle:
] One case involved a trainee nurse who was being vetted by the HSE prior to taking up work experience as part of her training. She had already been vetted by her local GAA club one month previously but as that was not acceptable to the HSE she had to undergo a further vetting procedure. One can envisage a situation in which somebody who gets a job which requires vetting, decides to volunteer in a local GAA club and then finds part-time employment in a local creche would be required to undergo vetting three times in a short period when once would be more than adequate. The Bill should provide for this and amendments should be brought on Committee Stage or else the Minister should at least take account of the issue when he is finalising the legislation.
Deputy Finian McGrath:
I am grateful for the opportunity to speak on this important Bill, which deals specifically with children and vulnerable persons. It is important that we remind ourselves about the purpose of this legislation.
(Speaker Continuing)
[Deputy Finian McGrath:
] We have many of those talented people. Many former colleagues of mine in the teaching profession have intervened in such situations when they discovered these issues and prevented abuse. Of course, there are many cases where children slipped through the net.
Debate adjourned.
Deputy Billy Kelleher:
I move:That Dáil Éireann has no confidence in the Minister for Health, James Reilly T.D., because of his inability to deliver on his budget commitments which were based on false and misleading targets in many areas that were never achievable or implementable due to his lack of governance, resulting in more chaos across the health service which will directly impact on patients because of more frontline services being cut, extra bed closures, and more cuts to social support services to the disabled and elderly.
I do not particularly like tabling motions of no confidence in Ministers. Over the years, I have seen them get very personalised, sometimes deflecting from the reality of what a motion of no confidence is trying to achieve. I do not expect theatrics or drama tomorrow night, with Deputies crossing the floor to support our motion of no confidence in Deputy James Reilly, but I would be failing in my duty as an Opposition Deputy not to highlight his failings during his tenure as Minister for Health.
The Minister is no longer on the back of a truck in some rural town promising the people the sun, moon and stars. He is the Minister for Health and he has a responsibility. His actions and deeds to date have indicated that the majority of people in this House do not have confidence in him to carry out his duties. Since the Minister was appointed in 2011, we have had dysfunction and chaos reigning in the Department of Health. The HSE under his stewardship is being dismantled effectively and slowly so it is incapable of delivering the health service the people expect.
I want to keep this to the points of principle and have a fair debate on what this motion of no confidence is about: highlighting the failings of the Minister for Health in addressing the serious challenges the health service will face in the months and years ahead. The Minister came to power saying he had a mandate for reform and for changing how health services are delivered. Unfortunately, that mandate was sought under false pretences. It was sought using promises to people in Roscommon that the accident and emergency department would remain open and using promises to people in Monaghan and the north east that a new hospital would be built before there was any downgrading of services in Navan, Drogheda or Dundalk. It was sought using promises to the people of Cork that orthopaedic services would not be moved from St. Mary's Hospital and that the Minister would cut consultants' pay and abolish prescription charges. Those are just a few of the promises the Minister made, and I am sure as time goes on that many more of those commitments made on the backs of trucks throughout the country will come to light.
Clearly now, however, we face chaos and crisis in the Department of Health and the health service in general. This time last year, the Minister started running around the corridors of power telling everyone and anyone who would listen that we faced doomsday if he did not get his way when it came to delivering a budget for the health services for 2012. He put fear into his colleagues but at the end of the day he did not have the support of Cabinet to bring forward a budget that would be sustainable. The budget in December 2011 for this year was dishonest at the very least. He cobbled a budget together, with figures and statistics, savings that could be achieved, legislation that would introduce price referencing, generic substitution, the charging of private insurers for the full cost of public beds and the reduction of agency costs, but none of this has happened. As long ago as last March, the Minister was warned by the then CEO of the HSE, Cathal Magee, that the budget he had delivered was no longer sustainable. The Minister did not listen and we now have a situation where only a couple of weeks ago, because of his incompetence and inability to deliver and manage a budget, there were people outside Government Buildings protesting because their personal assistants were being withdrawn. Home help hours and home care packages were being withdrawn.
That is the context for this motion of no confidence. I do not do it lightly. Our party thought about this long and hard. We would be failing in our duty to highlight the Minister's failings and the damage and the impact his inability to manage the health service and the reforms he proposed are having on people.
There are two Ministers of State in the Department of Health, Deputies Róisín Shortall and Kathleen Lynch. This evening or tomorrow they will come in and swear allegiance to the Minister and promise they have a working relationship with him. It is quite evident that there is bedlam in the Department and no functioning working relationship between the Minister and the Ministers of State. We are unsure if the Minister delegated functions to the Ministers of State and gave them specific areas of responsibility. A report by Sarah McInerney in The Sunday Times was headlined "Reilly and Shortall's fractious working relationship revealed in a series of angry letters". It is quite amazing this is happening in the Department of Health when the Minister has promised there will be reform, with structures being put in place to streamline the health service.
One of the basic promises the Minister made related to primary health care and its roll-out. The Minister of State who was meant to be responsible stated clearly she had no responsibility in this area and that the Minister was undermining her budgets by taking money from ring-fenced budgets without even informing her. Unless these letters are figments of someone's imagination, they show that at the heart of the decision-making process in the Department of Health, there has been a complete breakdown of trust between the Minister and the Minister of State, Deputy Shortall, and probably the other Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch. As recently as a number of days ago, the Minister of State with responsibility for mental health stated there would be no reduction in her budgets, but the Minister had already raided that budget to fund the deficit evident in the broader health services. The Minister entered office with great fanfare and promise, saying he would transform health services. Unfortunately to date, there has been nothing but dysfunction and chaos reigning in the Department itself, which has percolated down into the HSE.
I find it bizarre that the Minister was appointed 18 months ago and one of his first major announcements was that he would get rid of the 50 cent prescription charge. Some time later he rowed back on that decision. He then arrived at HSE headquarters like Wyatt Earp at the OK Corral, or perhaps in this case like Doc Holliday, to sack the board and fill it with his own appointees and Department of Health officials. That is fine and the Minister has said he now has control of the HSE, but as recently as two weeks ago, when the health cuts were made, the Minister said they were not sanctioned by Government, that they were a HSE decision and that he would overrule them after the backbenchers got a little tetchy but, more importantly, when he saw for himself outside Government Buildings the misery and angst he was causing to many of the most vulnerable in our society.
How could the Minister even contemplate sanctioning the removal of personal assistants, home care packages and home helps in the context of a €14.3 billion budget? Why did he decide those would be the first areas he would cut to rein in a deficit he should have reined in months ago when he was warned about it by the former CEO of the HSE and by Members on this side of the House? Every time we raised that, we were shouted down for scaremongering and trying to whip up fear and anger among the public. We were not. We were following what was happening and the sad reality is that last June, the former CEO put his hands up in the Committee of Public Accounts and said the budget and figures presented to the Dáil were no longer achievable and were utterly unsustainable.
Even at that late stage, five months into the year, the Minister still refused to act. The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform implored the Minister to get his house in order and the Minister of State, Deputy Shortall, was writing letters that highlighted that she was even willing at that late stage to intervene in the discussions on generic drugs and price referencing to bring about negotiations that would save some money in 2012. The Minister, however, put his head in the sand.
While the Minister talks a great game of reform and delivery of better health services, his decisions last week and the week before that attacked the most vulnerable in our society were the most distasteful things I have seen from this Government so far.
(Speaker Continuing)
[Deputy Billy Kelleher:
] That is the reason we decided to table a motion of no confidence in him and not because of his other difficulties. I acknowledge he may be distracted in other areas. Clearly, he sanctioned the decision and then there was the famous U-turn that was not a U-turn with the Taoiseach saying he was courageous to change his mind. It was either a U-turn or he sanctioned the cuts himself. I would like clarity on who is in charge because last year-----
Deputy Peter Mathews:
The Deputy should remember his Government brought the country to bankruptcy and signed the country up to the troika deal. I thank Fianna Fáil for the programme of austerity.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
Deputy Kelleher without interruption please.
Deputy Billy Kelleher:
I asked the Minister at a committee meeting in June when the chief executive officer and senior HSE officials were present who was in charge of the budget and, with great gusto, he rolled up his sleeves and said, "I am in charge; I am responsible and I accept full responsibility for every decision that the HSE makes". However, a few days ago, senior HSE officials were wheeled out to give the bad news. The Minister is removing himself from positions of responsibility. He went AWOL for a number of days until he was eventually flushed out and had to make the U-turn and we witnessed what happened after that. It was described by the Taoiseach as a courageous, brave decision. The Minister made a lousy, mean decision in the first place in the context of attacking the most vulnerable people in our society.
Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor:
Fianna Fáil caused it all.
Deputy Niall Collins:
That is real in-depth analysis.
Deputy Billy Kelleher:
Let us be clear about the Government's grand plans for universal health insurance, free GP care and universal primary care. If those who need personal assistants to undertake basic functions and home helps and people who depend on home care packages have to fund his reforms and his inability to run the health service, he should go tonight. It is distasteful that people had to protest outside Government Buildings to force a U-turn on his decisions.
Deputy Brendan Griffin:
Fianna Fáil Members have short memories. We will have to roll out a new programme of amnesia care.
Deputy Billy Kelleher:
While we will have plenty of pledges of loyalty from Labour Party and Fine Gael backbenchers, the Minister does not even enjoy confidence among his Cabinet colleagues. Quite clearly, they will not express confidence in public. The Minister for Social Protection was asked on numerous occasions during radio interviews whether she had full confidence in him and she failed to answer the question and express full confidence in him. The Ministers of State, Deputies O'Sullivan and Shortall, and others have also said publicly they have concerns and they were silent in expressing confidence in him.
Deputy Paul Kehoe:
The Deputy should check that line out.
Deputy Billy Kelleher:
If the Minister of State wants to contradict Deputy Shortall, the Minister of State at the Department of Health, he had better read the report in The Sunday Times and the letters on the Minister for Health's desk.
Deputy Paul Kehoe:
Paper never refuses ink. The Deputy has gone over time.
Deputy Billy Kelleher:
The Minister of State will have his time and he can pledge full loyalty to the inability of the Minister for Health to manage this important service for the people of this country. He will be promised full support by everybody but, behind him, many backbenchers have lost faith in him.
Deputy Timmy Dooley:
I wish to share time with Deputy Mattie McGrath.
Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor:
The troika sneaked in two years ago.
Deputy Timmy Dooley:
I will be happy to deal with issues the Deputy has in due course. The Minister and Taoiseach, who was then Leader of the Opposition, visited County Clare and made firm commitments regarding the delivery of health services in the county. The Taoiseach talked about the retention of medical and cardiac services at Ennis General Hospital but, in recent weeks, the HSE recognised that they will not be maintained. The best the Minister has been able to do is provide two local Fine Gael Deputies with a firm letter saying no decision has yet been taken while our Labour Party constituency colleague has said he is aware that the medical services the Taoiseach promised would be retained will be taken from Ennis General Hospital and the cardiac services that have been part of the service delivery mix will be taken in due course, although not immediately.
Deputy Tom Hayes:
Fair play to the Deputy; he defended them.
Deputy Timmy Dooley:
I did because they were in the best interests of patient safety. However, I never hid behind the HSE. I never said, "We do not have the money and someone else caused the problem". I stood up unfettered and put the change forward because I thought it was the right thing to do.
Deputy Brendan Griffin:
Fianna Fáil caused the problem.
Deputy Timmy Dooley:
Will the Minister do the same? Will he give Government backbenchers the wherewithal to explain the tough decisions that have to be taken and to say it is not a budgetary issue if that is the case and if services have to be reduced in a particular area, that this is being done from a patient safety point of view or in the best interests of the patient? If that is not the case and it does not stand up to the clinical view of doctors, the Minister should say it is a budgetary issue and that he has prioritised some other aspect of spending or that other areas of public expenditure are more important to his Administration than the services he is reducing in particular hospitals.
(Speaker Continuing)
[Deputy Timmy Dooley:
] However, he should not try - as has his colleague sitting beside him - to hide behind the excuse that someone else caused all these problems and the Government is there to clear it up. The Minister still has a commitment to deliver an effective and required health service to the people. The Minister is now making these choices, which are not being made by people who are independent of the political system. The Minister has accepted control and is taking it.
Deputy Noel Coonan:
Deputy Dooley is losing it now.
Deputy Timmy Dooley:
The public had lost faith in the previous Government and was going to vote for the parties now in government anyway. However, they could not get over which of them would be Taoiseach, that is, whether it would be Deputy Kenny-----
Deputy Noel Coonan:
Deputy Dooley is losing it.
Deputy Simon Harris:
There was no doubt about who would be leader.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
Order please.
Deputy Timmy Dooley:
Deputy Coonan now has Nenagh hospital to deal with and I note he made some important commitments in that regard. However, Fine Gael and the Labour Party were trying to outwit each other and on a daily basis, the ladder was not high enough for them to climb onto to wave the next slogan, regardless of what it did to undermine the good people who work in the health service. They simply could not resist the temptation to undermine what was and is a good service with problems and issues that must be resolved. However, they fanned that flame on a daily basis. They tried to hoodwink people and attempted to capitalise on people's genuine fears. In the case of many elderly people, people with sick children or people with a compromised immune system, their biggest worry is whether a bed will be available on the day on which they need it. In the Minister's case, he perceived that strain, exploited that weakness and captured a considerable amount of support on the back of it. It is right that the Minister now be made to answer for that in this House in an open and clear fashion. I do not like throwing political stuff over and back the floor of the Chamber. I want to stand up for the patients and people I represent. The Minister should explain to them how things have changed so dramatically in the intervening months and how, from the Minister's perspective, matters have so resolved themselves that it is not as bad as it might have seemed and that does not have an impact on people's lives in the way he had presented it. I will wait to hear what the Minister has to say. I have never been afraid to stand in support of tough decisions and if he wishes to continue in that vein, I will have no problem in supporting him with a reconfiguration process that is centred on the delivery of a quality health care system with the patient placed front and centre. If this is a hard one to explain politically, I have a history in so doing.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
I remind the Deputy that five minutes remain in the slot.
Deputy Timmy Dooley:
I went before the electorate and they accepted me for it. It now depends on the Minister and his backbenchers to show a small amount of backbone, to stop hiding behind the facts and to come out and tell the truth.
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
I thank Deputies Kelleher and Dooley for allowing me to share time this evening to speak on this motion, which I support wholeheartedly. Perhaps unlike the previous two speakers, who bear no animosity towards the Minister - neither do I - I have an issue with his handling of the HSE and the public, especially the underprivileged and those who are sick. Above all people in the world, the Minister, Deputy Reilly, who is a medical doctor of some renown-----
Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor:
Yes, he is.
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
----- who has been trained and has taken the Hippocratic oath to protect people, must look into his conscience, if he has one, to see the pain, fear and trauma that is being inflicted on people. I refer to some who are in the services, others who cannot get in and in particular, to the elderly and the infirm. I also refer to the sickness that is being dispelled, with all the different kites that have been flown and all the threats that have been made, by people who are being well supported by their families, by the Carers Association and by some personal assistants and so on, who do tremendous work. Such people are happy, and as all Members are aware, being happy will make people healthier. However, they are all nervous now because they do not trust James Reilly.
Deputy Paul Kehoe:
Deputy Mattie McGrath voted for it and then he jumped ship.
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
They do not trust James Reilly.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
Please refer to the Minister.
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
They gave up trusting the Chief Whip a long time ago. Why do they not trust James Reilly?
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
Please refer to the Minister.
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
I apologise. I of course refer to the Minister, Deputy Reilly. Many of his backbench colleagues are sitting in the Chamber this evening to support him but many of them have told me quietly that he is new in the job, is not used to government and has only been in politics for a few years.
(Interruptions).
Deputy Paul Kehoe:
Who was it? Deputy Mattie McGrath should name them out. He has privilege.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
The Deputy should withdraw that please.
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
I refer to when he undermines his own Ministers of State. Members had a discussion today on the Order of Business about how he will not delegate power to his own junior Ministers.
Deputy Paul Kehoe:
The Deputy has Dáil privilege and should name them out.
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
What can one call him but a bully?
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
Please refer to the Minister.
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
In my classroom, that was called being a bully.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
No, please.
Deputy Paul Kehoe:
The Deputy has privilege and should name them.
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
Name who? They are all there.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
Sorry, Deputy.
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
Deputy Kehoe as well. I met a lot of people from County Wexford in a different country last week and they named him as well.
Deputy Paul Kehoe:
Had Deputy McGrath any bottle, he would name them.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
Please.
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
The Minister promised so much.
Deputy Paul Kehoe:
The Deputy has no bottle.
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
He came to Clonmel - I know he was thinking of south Tipperary.
Deputy Paul Kehoe:
The Deputy does not have the bottle.
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
He ran through the hospital with such indecent haste that he nearly knocked people off the trolleys because he did not wish to meet them or see them. Moreover, Deputy Tom Hayes, who is sitting behind the Minister, and I were to have this famous meeting with him on the conclusion of his visit. However, he jumped into his car and fled.
Deputy Tom Hayes:
On a point of clarification-----
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
Please. Through the Chair.
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
Cromwell did not run as fast from Tipperary as did the Minister.
Deputy Tom Hayes:
Hold on.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
No, order please.
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
No, he went over the border. He has his stately mansion in Moneygall and his tax-free breaks.
Deputy Tom Hayes:
On a point of order-----
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
He has a nursing home.
Deputy Tom Hayes:
On a point of order.
A Deputy: Deputy Mattie McGrath has the floor.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
Sorry, Deputy Hayes, resume your seat. The Deputy has two minutes left.
Deputy Tom Hayes:
I have a point of order.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
Two minutes remain to Deputy McGrath.
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
The Leas-Cheann Comhairle should add two minutes. Could the Deputy please-----
Deputy Tom Hayes:
On a point of order-----
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
If the Deputy-----
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
What point of order? The Deputy is wasting time.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
Please.
Deputy Tom Hayes:
I must make a clarification.
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
Is that all?
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
I will give the Deputy a chance at the end of this.
Deputy Tom Hayes:
If the Deputy will allow me, by sitting for one minute-----
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
I will stay standing as well. I will never stand for a Fine Gaeler. I will stand up to the Deputy any day of the week. Fine Gael promised everything and delivered nothing. It was the same way back in the 1920s. Deputy Hayes is taking his time.
Deputy Tom Hayes:
I wish to put on the record of the House-----
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
Please, very quickly and briefly.
Deputy Tom Hayes:
----- that South Tipperary General Hospital was being closed down prior to the general election. However, a new Minister, Deputy Reilly took office and now we in south Tipperary have services enjoyed by no other county.
Deputy Noel Coonan:
Deputy McGrath should answer that.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
Deputy, please resume your seat. Three minutes remain.
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
He ran through it like a dose of flu and left the bugs after him.
Deputy Noel Coonan:
The Deputy should explain that.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
Deputy, through the Chair.
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
That is total nonsense. I want to correct that fallacy, which the Deputy probably dreamt in a dream, at the think-in in Castlebar or up Croagh Patrick or wherever else he went. While I do not know where he went, the Deputy should say a few more prayers and should return to meet the people in south Tipperary who are ringing him day and night. Members know this but the Deputy is hiding behind whatnot.
Deputy Paul Kehoe:
This is Ballymagash stuff.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
Please.
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
The problem is not with the Government but with the Minister, Deputy Reilly. He does not have time to deal with the health portfolio because he is too busy fighting the wars on his property portfolio.
Deputy Simon Harris:
The Deputy is too busy collecting the fivers.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
No.
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
That is the fact. Whether it is a nursing home in Carrick-on-Suir in which he has a share and which, incidentally, HIQA forgot to visit for three years-----
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
Deputy, we are not personalising the debate.
Deputy Paul Kehoe:
Deputy McGrath has his own problems.
Deputy Simon Harris:
He should give back the fivers.
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
Today, it was revealed he did not pay the architects who designed it. How could it be right, whether it is a portfolio in Offaly or whether it is all the different portfolios he has in Dublin? He does not have time to look after the ordinary people.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
I ask the Deputy to resume his seat. Deputy Mattie McGrath has one minute left and I do not want any more personalised comments. I want order, please.
Deputy Brendan Griffin:
The Deputy is an absolute disgrace.
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
He does not have time to look after the people, only attack the front line services in St. Anthony's, St. Patrick's, South Tipperary General Hospital and many others.
Deputy Paul Kehoe:
The Deputy is a disgrace.
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
Mental health patients were told they were to go to Nenagh and now they are ending up in Ennis.
Deputy Paul Kehoe:
The Deputy is a disgrace.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
I ask the Deputy to conclude his remarks in order to allow Deputy McConalogue to speak.
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
The Minister is peddling mistruths - he simply does not have time.
Deputy Paul Kehoe:
The Deputy is a disgrace to politics.
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
I ask the Taoiseach to relieve the Minister of his duties for the moment in order to allow him to sort out his business affairs and to try to ensure that HIQA is fair so that when it comes to Carrick-on-Suir, it visits every nursing home and does not pick one over another.
Deputy Brendan Griffin:
The Deputy is out of order completely.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
The Deputy's time is up. I call Deputy McConalogue.
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
It could not be that my time is up - they interrupted me with their shouting.
Deputy Paul Kehoe:
The Deputy is a disgrace.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
I call Deputy McConalogue.
Deputy Paul Kehoe:
It is no wonder politics is in the gutter because of the likes of Deputy Mattie McGrath.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
Minister, please. I call Deputy McConalogue.
Deputy Charlie McConalogue:
I support Deputy Kelleher in introducing this crucial motion. I do not wish in any way to personalise this because that is not what the public is looking for, nor is it what any of us in this House wishes to do. Health at any time is one of the most essential services to which citizens need access. At a time when we are facing cuts in our budget the Government's number one priority must be to ensure that services are protected. Up to 18 months ago the Minister was on that side of the House as the Opposition spokesperson on health. He talked the talk in terms of what he would do if he became Minister. Along with his now Government colleagues, he made several promises about what they would do if the public elected them to office. Memorably during the general election, the Taoiseach stood in front of a campaign meeting on a street in Roscommon and promised that, should he be elected to office, there would be no change in the status of the emergency department in that town's hospital. We have seen where that promise has gone. We have also seen what has happened to the stance the Minister held when in opposition.
(Speaker Continuing)
[Deputy Charlie McConalogue:
] It is time the Minister reconsidered his position and that the Government reconsidered what type of leadership is needed to deliver the type of health service required by the people.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
The next speaker is the Minister for Health, Deputy Reilly, whom I understand is sharing time with Deputies Buttimer, Rabbitte, White, Corcoran-Kennedy and Walsh. The Minister has 20 minutes and each of the other Deputies has two minutes.
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
I move amendment No. 2:To delete all words after “Dáil Éireann” and substitute the following:
This motion could be described as political opportunism because that is exactly what it is.
"commends the Minister for Health, James Reilly T.D., for the progress to date on the reform of our health services and for the effective manner in which he is managing resources in a difficult budgetary and economic environment, placing the concerns of patients at the centre of the healthcare system;
endorses the specific measures that the Minister has taken to improve the performance of the service delivery system and to strengthen the overall governance and accountability of the system; and
supports the Minister in his determination to move towards a health system that provides access based on need rather than income, underpinned by a strengthened primary care sector, a restructured hospital sector and a more transparent ‘money follows the patient’ system of funding that will be supported ultimately by Universal Health Insurance."
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
The Minister knows all about that.
Deputy Dara Calleary:
He wrote the book.
Deputy James Reilly:
It is the empty noise of a party that ran out of ideas and idealism a long time ago, a party that has damaged each and every family in this country because of the economic collapse over which it presided, a party that sold our nation down the river.
Deputy Timmy Dooley:
Sitting on it, I would say.
Deputy James Reilly:
-----reassuring people that they were not going to lose service but that reassurance was lost in all the noise from the Opposition-----
Deputy Dara Calleary:
From the Labour Party. Deputy Keaveney is not a member of Fianna Fáil.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
Order, please.
Deputy James Reilly:
-----who went on to cause so much worry that people felt it necessary to sit outside Dáil Éireann overnight. I am truly sorry that I was not able to communicate clearly to them the fact that they would not lose their service.
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
Why did the Minister not go out to them?
Deputy James Reilly:
A number of people have said that I abolished the HSE board and the HSE. First, the board is to be abolished but is not yet abolished and, second, the HSE has not been abolished.
Deputy Timmy Dooley:
The Minister is looking for a fall-guy.
Deputy James Reilly:
Deputy Dooley has contended that 33 people have died because reconfiguration did not take place. I would be happy if he could provide me with the details of what happened.
Deputy Billy Kelleher:
The Minister said they would die.
Deputy Timmy Dooley:
On a point of clarification-----
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
No.
Deputy Timmy Dooley:
The Minister has misrepresented what I said.
Deputy James Reilly:
I am going to leave that now.
(Interruptions).
Deputy James Reilly:
A Leas-Cheann Comhairle-----
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
I was told to sit down earlier.
Deputy Finian McGrath:
Where is Deputy Tom Hayes now.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
Deputies, please. This is a very limited debate.
Deputy James Reilly:
I am not going to spend the evening-----
Deputy Timmy Dooley:
The Minister has asked for clarification.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
The Deputy can send it on to him. He may not do so now.
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
The Leas-Cheann Comhairle is not being equal.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
Deputy Dooley can clarify the matter in his own time.
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
No.
Deputy Timmy Dooley:
The Minister has asked for clarification.
Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor:
Sit down.
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
How come I was stopped and told to sit down?
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
Deputy Dooley is sitting down.
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
Why was I told to sit down? We should have equal play here.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
That is enough.
Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor:
Could we hear the Minister?
Deputy Timmy Dooley:
On a point of order-----
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
I will allow a point of order but not a speech.
Deputy Timmy Dooley:
On a point of order, am I correct in saying that if the Minister in the course of his contribution requests a speaker to provide information and gives way that person can provide the information? Is that not within the rules of the House?
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
That is not a point of order. If the Minister wants clarification I presume the Deputy can provide it later but not now.
Deputy Timmy Dooley:
I am ready to do so now.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
No. The Deputy has already spoken.
Deputy James Reilly:
A Leas-Cheann Comhairle, I presume I will be allowed the extra minute speaking time which the Opposition has taken up.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
I call the Minister.
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
This is totally unfair.
Deputy James Reilly:
I am not going to continue to engage here tonight in the normal political rhetoric that is the style across the way.
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
The Minister set it up.
Deputy James Reilly:
Rather I am going to deal in facts and measurable outcomes.
Deputy Dara Calleary:
That is a change.
Deputy James Reilly:
I would like to say at this stage - to paraphrase Bill Clinton - what Fianna Fáil is giving out about is the speed with which this Government is clearing up the mess it made.
Deputies: Hear, hear.
(Interruptions).
Deputy James Reilly:
Deputy Martin, who is not here tonight, is the prime designer in chief of this mess. Let us look at what happened. The health budget grew in the 14 years of Fianna Fáil coalition Governments by more than 320%, from €3.6 billion to €15 billion. During his time as Minister for Health, Deputy Martin spent €13.8 million on management consultancy.
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
Who negotiated for the GPs?
Deputy James Reilly:
With all that advice and increased funding one could have expected balanced budgets. Instead, what we find is that during his tenure as Minister for Health, Deputy Martin still managed to over-shoot his departmental budget and had to be bailed out with supplementary budgets amounting to €664 million. Between 1997 and 2010, Fianna Fáil's period in office, €2.2 billion was spent on supplementary estimates. Deputy Martin as health Minister during the best economic times could not control the health spend yet he has the nerve to criticise those who have controlled it in the worst of economic times.
Deputy Dara Calleary:
How does the Minister define "control?"
Deputy James Reilly:
The challenges besetting our health system are a direct result of Deputy Martin's fatally flawed budgetary and service planning processes.
Deputy Dara Calleary:
That is what Deputy Shortall said about the Minister.
Deputy James Reilly:
A recent external independent review highlighted that the governance and control framework in the HSE lacks clarity, is not properly embedded and does not enable effective control to be exercised over voluntary providers. The financing and operating models are tied to antiquated health board structures and there are significant inconsistencies in approaches to analyses and financial performance management and data collection.
Deputy Timmy Dooley:
This Government is well haunted at this stage.
Deputy James Reilly:
-----in terms of financial reporting mechanisms, different ways of counting things, different ways of coding things, information that is nigh on impossible to analyse.
Patients, not inputs or money, are the priority.
Deputy Dara Calleary:
Hear, hear.
Deputy James Reilly:
Patients and what happens to them is what really matters.
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
What about the carers?
Deputy James Reilly:
I have often said that no matter how elegant the design or how eloquently it is delivered, if it does not improve patient outcomes it is for nought.
(Interruptions).
Deputy James Reilly:
-----and a history whereby my predecessors where informed of budget overruns. It was all about lamh amach agus airgead isteach---
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
The Minister knows all about that.
Deputy James Reilly:
-----not why have we an overrun and what are we going to do about it. Deputy McGrath was offered an opportunity by the Chief Whip to name the people he says do not support us.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
No, Minister please.
Deputy James Reilly:
The Deputy used the opportunity and privilege of the House to make allegations against me.
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
The Minister should look behind him.
(Interruptions).
Deputy James Reilly:
The Deputy does not have the courage of his convictions.
(Interruptions).
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
Order, please.
Deputy Peter Mathews:
Excuse me, I would like to hear the Minister.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
The Minister has the floor.
(Interruptions).
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
Order, please.
Deputy James Reilly:
I am primarily a doctor, a late-comer to politics but I do know one thing.
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
I have always said that.
Deputy Patrick O'Donovan:
Give it a rest.
Deputy James Reilly:
Can Deputies stop interrupting?
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
Deputies please, there is no need for this. Deputies are completely out of order.
Deputy James Reilly:
There is an old maxim which Deputy Mattie McGrath should remember: "Empty vessels make the most noise."
Deputies: Hear, hear.
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
The Minister is making a lot of noise.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
Order, please.
Deputy James Reilly:
As a doctor, one does not only look at the signs and symptoms, one must treat the cause of the problem. One has to analyse the cause and must have one's diagnosis before one starts treatment. That is what we have done. The special delivery unit headed up by Dr. Martin Connor analysed why we have overcrowding in our emergency departments, in particular every January. Every hospital is different. We are successfully tackling the causes of overcrowding on a site-by-site basis.
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
The Minister promised there would be no more waiting on trolleys.
Deputy James Reilly:
We did not allow that to happen this year. We did not have 569 patients on trolleys in January 2011, which is a little more than 18 months ago.
(Speaker Continuing)
[Deputy James Reilly:
] The special delivery unit in conjunction with the clinical programmes and front line staff knew what the diagnosis was and prescribed the treatment between them and the consequence of that today is that despite €1.75 billion being taken out of the system and another €750 million being taken out of it this year, we have 20% fewer people lying on trolleys, over 13,000 fewer people so far this year. That is a fact and something that is measurable. Those are INMO figures.
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
Send them home.
Deputy James Reilly:
That is something that was not possible before and something which the Members opposite and their Government failed to do in ten years.
Deputy Paul Kehoe:
Hear, hear.
Deputy James Reilly:
Ongoing progress is being made in introducing new models of care across all service delivery areas to treat patients at the lowest level of complexity and provide quality services at the lowest cost. The restructuring of the hospital sector has commenced and two pilot hospital groups have been established at Limerick and Galway.
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
It has.
Deputy James Reilly:
-----at the end of that month, not alone did we maintain a safe service, we have improved it as I outlined. As an Irishman I believe that what makes Ireland a great country is not the wonderful landscape, the rivers and the green fields but the people, their resilience, compassion and their capacity for innovation. I similarly believe the health service will be one of the best in the world because of the great people working in it. It is my honour and privilege to serve as Minister for Health and to be a part of this historic change in our health service - change that is for the benefit of all our citizens. I intend to continue in this role, to continue the reform and to always put the patient first. I commend the Government's amendment to the motion to the House.
Deputies: Hear, hear.
Deputy Jerry Buttimer:
I second the amendment to the motion. I ask Members to cast their minds back to the health committee a number of years ago when we discussed the Travers report when a certain Minister was asked what he knew or who was responsible and his line of response was "I had no responsibility; I was not responsible." That was Deputy
(Speaker Continuing)
[Deputy Jerry Buttimer:
] This Minister will drive reform, and he will do so with the people who work diligently in our health service.
Deputy Timmy Dooley:
Does the Deputy believe that?
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
He does not believe that.
Deputy Jerry Buttimer:
These are the people who, with this Minister, will show us that we have a health system that will be fit for purpose and that will not be in the hands of the vested interests.
Deputy Timmy Dooley:
Who told the Deputy that?
Deputy Jerry Buttimer:
This is a Minister who has commenced the process of reform. The reform, as he said in his contribution, is evidenced in every item since he became Minister. I challenge the naysayers to look at what has been delivered under the auspices of the Croke Park agreement. Since last February we have not seen the end of the health system. There has been a reduction in the number of people on trolleys. We have seen more services being delivered.
(Interruptions).
Deputy Jerry Buttimer:
We have not seen chaos in the city of Cork as alluded to by Deputy Micheál Martin last week, or Deputy Kelleher, because the figures in terms of reconfiguration were started by him. They proposed that treatments be removed from the orthopaedic hospital to the south infirmary. They moved BreastCheck from the south infirmary. They started that process, and they cannot hide behind the decisions any longer because they waved the flag. They wrote the prescriptions and they have now seen what happened in respect of that. The gentlemen opposite should get real about it because their policies have failed. Their ways did not work. They may have forgotten that their ways have bankrupted our country. They are the people who are the cause of where we are today, and they should never be allowed to forget that.
(Interruptions).
Deputy Jerry Buttimer:
This Minister and this Government will put patients first, and that is what the health system must be about. It must be about the patient who goes in the door of the hospital. It is not about the money in one's pocket or the colour of one's political affiliation. It is about a Minister who will deliver, and if he does not deliver in four years we should have another debate about it but let us have the courage, for once in our lives, to take on the vested interests and the naysayers who have failed this country.
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte):
I am here to express my support for and my confidence in the Minister for Health and the huge challenge that he has been left by the outgoing Fianna Fáil Administration.
Deputy Timmy Dooley:
He should have a chat with the Minister of State, Deputy Shortall.
Deputy Pat Rabbitte:
-----from the people who created the mess coming into this House on day one of the new term-----
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
Where is the Minister of State, Deputy Shortall?
Deputy Pat Rabbitte:
-----with the same old codology about a motion of no confidence that they know has no prospect of success in this House.
(Interruptions).
Deputy Pat Rabbitte:
I am very sorry, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle. I would have liked more time because I am only getting off the runway.
Deputy Alex White:
I am very happy to support the Government amendment expressing confidence in the Minister for Health. When one listens to this debate as I have done, like others, for the past hour one tries to work out the basis for the motion because if people-----
Deputy Timmy Dooley:
Ask the Minister of State, Deputy Shortall.
Deputy Alex White:
-----from the Fianna Fáil Party or anywhere else came in here and had objections or criticisms on policy grounds of what the Minister was doing I would take them seriously. I would have taken Deputy Kelleher seriously. I would have even taken Deputy Dooley seriously-----
Deputy Timmy Dooley:
I greatly appreciate that.
Deputy Alex White:
-----if he had come in here and set out the basis upon which, on policy grounds, he had objections to what the Minister for Health and the Government are doing. That has not occurred, not once.
Deputy Billy Kelleher:
We only have three hours.
Deputy Alex White:
One is in regard to the savings announcements that were made last week or the week before that Deputy Kelleher complains about, justifiably in some respects. It is not clear from him whether he has a difficulty with the announcements themselves or with the fact that it was clarified afterwards that some of those matters were not going ahead. He cannot make up his mind which it is but he wants to make that the basis of his attack here this evening.
Deputy Mattie McGrath:
How many bondholders were burned?
Deputy Alex White:
This Government is keeping faith in terms of what was said in the general election. This Government will bring about reform in the health service with no thanks and no support, which we understand and expect, from those on the opposite side. I support the Government amendment.
Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy:
This motion by Fianna Fáil, and the Sinn Féin amendment, is a charade. The Fianna Fáil motion states that Dáil Éireann has no confidence in the Minister, Deputy Reilly, because of his inability to deliver on his budget commitments. That is a bit rich coming from Fianna Fáil, the party which, when in Government, had Deputy Martin as Minister for Health and Children. He played a key role in establishing the HSE and allowed the HSE to develop the habit of obtaining more and more taxpayers' money by way of a supplementary budget each year. As the architects of the HSE it is no wonder Fianna Fáil Members are so committed to its retention. However, it is a disastrous legacy.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
I must call the Deputy's colleague, Deputy Walsh.
Deputy Brian Walsh:
I welcome the opportunity to express my confidence in the Minister for Health. This debate, to which I have listened, has been described by some of the Members opposite as being important and crucial. Let us be very frank about it: this is nothing but an absolute waste of valuable Dáil time. The motion was tabled by a party that has, on occasion, complained about not having enough time to debate legislation. The motion is nothing but populist political opportunism on the part of Fianna Fáil. The irony that the motion is being brought forward by Fianna Fáil will not be lost on the people. It seems that it is the leader of the Fianna Fáil party who is driving this agenda and who announced that the motion would be tabled initially. It appears that, 18 months since the general election, the trauma of the drubbing that Fianna Fáil received is still having an effect on its members' memories.
Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin:
The Sinn Féin Deputies have no confidence in the Minister for Health, Deputy James Reilly, and we deplore the Government’s attacks on our public health services. We roundly reject its fundamentally flawed and inherited health policy. We will be voting accordingly at the end of this debate.
(Speaker Continuing)
[Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin:
] What I want to ask this Cabinet is how such a cruel cut was approved in the first place. Are we expected to believe that this was not approved directly by the Minister? Are we to believe that the detail of this major package of €130 million in further cuts in public health services did not cross his desk? If it did not cross his desk, the claim that he is a hands-on Minister who has taken the reins from the HSE is spurious. If he signed off on these cuts, he bears responsibility for causing distress to the most vulnerable of our citizens. That he must climb down in the space of but one week shows what can only be called chaotic management of our public health services.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
The Deputy has just over three minutes remaining.
Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin:
Some €1 billion was cut from health spending in 2011 and the Department of Health is referring to an overall reduction of €2 billion up to 2014. This is scary stuff.
Deputy Timmy Dooley:
Sinn Féin filled a few accident and emergency units in its time.
Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin:
The Fianna Fáil Party motion is carefully worded because that party agrees with austerity and cannot fully oppose health cuts based on austerity, not to mention the party's own appalling record in office from 1997 to 2011, not least in respect of health.
Deputy Timmy Dooley:
Less of the history lesson, please.
Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin:
The Fianna Fáil Party had the opportunity to transform our health services, but squandered it just as it squandered so much else that could have made for a better society. It certainly had the time and means to make a difference. I appreciate that the current Government does not, but it none the less has a responsibility. Its members saw it and knew it when they stood in my current position. Despite the motion to which I am a party in the form of an amendment to the Fianna Fáil Party motion, I appeal to the Government. It is not down to the Minister, Deputy Reilly, alone. It is a collective shared responsibility. Changing the ministerial face would not be enough. A change in health policy is the absolute requirement.
I take it that my time has concluded.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
Yes. I must ask the Deputy to conclude.
Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin:
I will park some of what I had prepared to say. There must be a major change not only in health policy, but in the economic strategy being pursued if we are to avoid a meltdown in the public health services. The first step is not just the removal or resignation of the Minister in place, but equally the adoption of a health policy based on fairness, equity and access for all on the basis of need. Such a policy must be the cornerstone of our health services.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle:
Deputies Maureen O'Sullivan and Finian McGrath are sharing five minutes.
Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan:
I wish to discuss two matters in the couple of minutes available to me. At approximately 10.15 a.m. on Tuesday, 4 September, I returned to Leinster House and met the people with disabilities who were protesting outside. Two of them happened to be past pupils of mine. This morning, the Taoiseach stated that the cuts were dealt with swiftly, but how could a cut in respect of someone with a severe disability have been introduced? It should never have been on the agenda in the first place. They have many more stresses in their lives than we do.
(Speaker Continuing)
[Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan:
] We take so much for granted, such as getting out of bed in the morning, dressing ourselves, showering and going to the toilet. Every one of those actions must be thought through for a person with a disability, and the work of a personal assistant allows such people the dignity to carry on their lives as well as possible.
Deputy Finian McGrath:
I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for the opportunity to speak to this motion of confidence in the Minister for Health. My criticism is based solely on politics and bad political decisions. It is important to say this is not about a person but rather a Minister and his Government, competence and accountability. Our people are hurting because of bad decisions and disastrous choices. We cannot have a Minister and a Government that when making a political choice look to hammer people with disabilities or senior citizens who need our care and support. It is not acceptable - it is criminal - to have people with disabilities camped outside Government Buildings wondering if their services will be removed. Fear, confusion and a lack of compassion have no place in any democratic or inclusive society. That is the bottom line with regard to the motion and the reason we have no confidence in the Minister.
The Dáil adjourned at 9.05 p.m. until 10.30 a.m. on Wednesday, 19 September 2012.
Questions Nos. 1 to 10, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 11 to 36, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 37 to 47, inclusive, answered orally.
48. Deputy Patrick Nulty
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he will provide an update on plans to review the 1990 Derelict Sites Act to deal with the increase of derelict sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37871/12]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O'Sullivan):
Under the Derelict Sites Act 1990, local authorities are required to take all reasonable steps, including the exercise of appropriate statutory powers, to ensure that any land within their functional area does not become or continue to be a derelict site. To this end, they have been given substantial powers under the Act in relation to any such sites, including powers to require specified measures to be taken in relation to a derelict site, to impose a levy on derelict sites, or to compulsorily acquire any derelict site. I expect local authorities to use their statutory powers as they consider appropriate.
49. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the extent to which he will engage with the various local authorities now facing the possibility of cuts in services arising from the on-going economic situation; if he will provide the local authorities with some means whereby they can take steps to improve their financial position; if he has received submissions from or exchanged views with the County Managers Association or the various local authorities' members representatives with a view to the identification of the best practice to be pursued whereby savings can be made or other measures taken to maintain the maximum level of services provided by the various local authorities throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39014/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
As a matter of course I attend the annual conferences and seminars of the Councillors’ representative associations, whenever possible – the Local Authority Members Association, the Association of County and City Councils and the Association of Municipal Authorities in Ireland. At these meetings, I generally meet with the officers of the associations and discuss topics of interest including local government reform, the efficiency agenda and funding issues. Regular visits to individual local authorities also afford me the opportunity to discuss such matters with both Councillors and County/City Managers. My Department’s Senior Management Team meets a number of times each year with the executive of the County and City Managers’ Association (CCMA) to discuss a wide range of matters of concern including efficiencies, funding and local government reform. I have also met personally with the managers as a group on a number of occasions. Earlier this year I met with the chairs of the CCMA sub-committees to discuss a range of topics and also with a delegation from the CCMA in January 2012 to discuss progress made by the sector in implementing recommendations contained in the Report of the Local Government Efficiency Review Group. The CCMA has worked closely with the Local Government Efficiency Review Implementation Group to progress recommendations of the Report within the competence of local government, including in areas such as shared services, local government sector procurement and an integrated ICT strategy. Furthermore, the aforementioned associations have made submissions to my Department covering a range of issues including local government reform, the alignment of local government and community development, property tax, efficiencies etc. Implementation of the reform agenda in terms of local government is being driven by my Department in partnership with the County and City Managers’ Association (CCMA). A joint Public Service Reform Oversight Group has been established which includes the Secretary General of my Department and CCMA representatives. A dedicated Project Management Office reports to the oversight group. The PMO has been staffed and resourced drawing from existing expertise and resources in the sector. Experienced staff from a number of authorities, with a range of appropriate skills, have been seconded to the PMO. The CCMA has identified total savings of €830m in respect of the period 2008 to 2012. This includes payroll and expenditure savings. Local authorities have shed some 8,200 staff since June 2008 whilst continuing to maintain an impressive level of public service delivery. Savings achieved to date through new work practices and efficiency measures will help to maintain the maximum level of services provided by the various local authorities.The Government’s broad policy approach to local government reform was set out in the Programme for Government. In line with this, I intend to publish a detailed policy statement and action programme for the reform of local government very shortly. The programme will set out a clear vision for the future of local government and proposals to achieve it, with particular focus on strengthening structures generally at regional, county and sub-county levels, expanding the role of local government, maximising operational and organisational efficiency and improving governance, oversight, local political and executive leadership and citizen engagement. The reform programme will also reflect other work under way in relation to various aspects of local government, including local authority mergers, efficiency implementation, local government funding and alignment of local and community development with local government.
Question No. 50 answered with Question No. 47.
51. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he or his Department have engaged in an discussions or negotiations with the National Asset Management Agency to act on their requirement to provide a social dividend by releasing properties for social housing to the ownership of local authorities. [39067/12]
63. Deputy Michael Colreavy
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he will provide an update on the delivery of the promised 2,000 units from the National Assets Management Agency portfolio; and the details of the method through which they will be paid. [39066/12]
1115. Deputy Barry Cowen
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the discussions he has held with the National Assets Management Agency regarding social housing lists in relation to procuring suitable housing stock to tackle social housing lists.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34990/12]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O'Sullivan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 51, 63 and 1115 together.
52. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he will consider introducing statutory time limits for the conclusion of hearings or investigations being carried out by An Bord Pleanála into public or private infrastructure projects of strategic importance due to the delays that are being caused and the uncertainty in relation to progressing these projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39016/12]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O'Sullivan):
Under section 126 of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2012, it is a statutory objective of An Bord Pleanála to determine appeals and certain other matters within 18 weeks. The statutory objective was met in 81% of cases in 2011 compared to 64% in 2010 and 26% in 2009. This objective also applies to strategic infrastructure applications. Where the Board does not consider it possible or appropriate to reach a decision within 18 weeks (e.g. because of delays arising from the holding of an oral hearing), it will inform the parties of the reasons for this, and will indicate when it intends to make the decision.
53. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
his plans for dealing with the 96,000 families on the housing list and to substantially reduce the long waiting times for permanent, secure and affordable housing for those families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39035/12]
79. Deputy John Halligan
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
his plans to deal with the 96,000 families on the housing list and to substantially reduce the long waiting times for permanent, secure and affordable housing for those families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39038/12]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O'Sullivan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 53 and 79 together.
54. Deputy Denis Naughten
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he will review the criteria covering the issuing of local authority mortgages and shared ownership schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38778/12]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O'Sullivan):
In advancing loans for house purchase by lower income borrowers it is of critical importance that local authorities make such funding available on the basis of sound lending criteria. My Department and individual local authorities have a responsibility to ensure that mortgage lending is prudentially based and that the capacity of a borrower to fully service a loan over the full term is realistically assessed and stress-tested.
55. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
his intentions regarding a foreshore drilling licence applied for by a company (details supplied) concerning an area six kilometres off the Dalkey and Killiney coast, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39036/12]
85. Deputy John Halligan
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
his intentions regarding a foreshore drilling licence applied for by a company (details supplied) concerning an area six kilometres off the Dalkey and Killiney coast, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39037/12]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O'Sullivan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 55 and 85 together.
Question No. 56 answered with Question No. 43.
57. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he has accepted all of the recommendations of the recent report of the Pyrite Panel; if he has established a timeframe for implementing all of the recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39034/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
I welcome the report of the independent Pyrite Panel which I published on 18 July. It is a comprehensive report containing twenty four inter related recommendations covering a wide range of issues. The report provides a framework to move forward and make progress towards providing solutions for homeowners.
58. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the number of households that have paid the household charge to date; the changes he has made to the communication campaign; the number of letters that have been sent out to households who have not paid to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38995/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and the Local Government (Household Charge) Regulations 2012 provide the legislative basis for the household charge. Under the Act, an owner of a residential property on the liability date of 1 January 2012 is liable to pay the household charge, unless otherwise exempted or entitled to claim a waiver. The household charge is on a self-assessment basis and it is a matter for an owner of a residential property on the liability date to determine if he or she has a liability and, if so, to declare that liability and pay the household charge.
59. Deputy Brendan Griffin
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
his views on the current method of commercial rate calculation for small and medium sized enterprises; if he considers the current method to be outdated; if he will consider the introduction of a system, administered by the Revenue Commissioners, which would reflect the performance of the enterprise rather than the rental value of the premises; his views on whether such a system would be pro-enterprise and jobs and would also reduce disincentives to occupying vacant commercial units by providing a safeguard to business owners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38264/12]
1105. Deputy Simon Harris
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he intends to reform the system of commercial rates levied on businesses and paid to local authorities; if he will consider some form of inability to pay clause being introduced into the rates system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38848/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 59 and 1105 together.
60. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the extent, if any, to which agreement has been reached or arrangements put in place to set the levels and methodology for collection of the household charges which arise as a consequence of the Memorandum of Understanding and the general economic situation arising in the wake of the on-going economic crisis which he inherited on assuming office; if he will try to ensure that the level of such charges will be cognisant of the many serious financial obligations and cutbacks now faced by the people; if he intends to have regard for the ability to meet the payments in such circumstances; if it is expected that payment can be made on a monthly basis or other deferred basis; if it is expected that the relevant local authorities are likely to benefit in a meaningful way from such charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39015/12]
61. Deputy Seamus Kirk
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the impact he anticipates the future property tax will have on local authority revenue; if the revenue raised will go directly to the local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39003/12]
62. Deputy Timmy Dooley
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he will outline his proposals for a property tax; the time frame for the implementation of same; the estimated average cost per house; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38991/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 60 to 62, inclusive, together.
Question No. 63 answered with Question No. 51.
64. Deputy Dessie Ellis
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
his plans to work with the other relevant Departments to put in place a model for housing bonds as promised in the Programme for Government. [39063/12]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O'Sullivan):
With levels of capital funding for social housing reduced by just over 75% since 2008, the financial parameters within which Ireland is operating, and will be operating over the coming years, rule out a return to very large capital-funded construction programmes by local authorities. Accordingly, delivery of social housing will be primarily facilitated by more flexible funding models, with the social housing leasing initiative, in its various forms, playing a central role.The Programme for Government listed some of the options, which my Department is exploring on a continuing basis, to facilitate the increased provision of social housing, including through the mechanism of social housing bonds and the viability of utilising the value of existing social housing stock as a means of leveraging further funding for the provision of social housing. The Housing Policy Statement, published in July 2011, elaborated on this, setting out a range of mechanisms through which the Government is committed to developing the supply of permanent new social housing. Such mechanisms will include options to purchase, build to lease, and the sourcing of loan finance by approved housing bodies for construction and acquisition.
65. Deputy Joe Higgins
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the progress made of remedial works to housing units in Belmayne development, Dublin, which were intended to ensure compliance with Fire Safety Building Regulations following the discovery of breaches of those regulations in April 2011; and if he will confirm that all housing units in Belmayne now comply with the Building Regulations on the Fire Safety. [38948/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
My Department understands that Dublin City Council, through Dublin Fire Brigade, was notified by the developer of a construction defect affecting 232 properties at the Belmayne Housing Complex. The developer, acting responsibly in consultation with his Fire Engineer, contacted the Local Authority immediately and has undertaken to carry out remedial works to all of the properties affected. Dublin City Council and the Fire Consultants for the developer have agreed on the works necessary to rectify the problem units – this involves inserting fire-proof board to seal a 75mm gap in the voids above ceilings and the rebuilding of service ducts with full fire-proof construction. The Fire Officer is satisfied that when these remedial works are completed this defect will have been addressed.
66. Deputy Michael McGrath
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the estimated impact the 2012 Valuation Bill will have on local authority revenues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39012/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
Local authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes in accordance with the details entered in the valuation lists prepared by the independent Commissioner of Valuation under the Valuation Act 2001. The Commissioner of Valuation is conducting a programme of revaluation of all commercial and industrial properties throughout the State on a county by county basis. The purpose of the revaluation process is to provide for more consistent and up-to-date valuations for rating purposes and to assist in providing a more equitable distribution of valuations across those liable to pay rates.
67. Deputy Clare Daly
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the purpose of the EPA Code of Practice: Waste Water Treatment and Disposal Systems Serving Single Houses (2009). [38907/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
Section 76 of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Act 1992 enables the EPA to prepare and publish codes of practice for the purpose of providing guidance with respect to compliance with any enactment or other requirement concerning environmental protection. The Code of Practice (CoP) referred to was prepared for the purpose of providing guidance to assist local authorities (as planning, building control, waste and water services authorities), builders, systems manufacturers, systems designers, systems installers and system operators on the provision of wastewater treatment and disposal systems for new single houses with a population equivalent of less than or equal to ten persons.
68. Deputy Patrick Nulty
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the action he will take to ensure that a sufficient supply of social housing is available to cope with housing needs; his views on whether his policy of encouraging housing associations to access finance from the Housing Finance Agency to acquire or build new units is running into difficulty because so few housing associations have been approved for finance from the HFA; his views on the number of social housing units provided by the National Assets Management Agency; the action he will take to address shortcomings in social housing policy and its implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36900/12]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O'Sullivan):
The Government’s housing policy statement, published in June 2011, clearly identifies that the priority for Government will be to meet the most acute needs of households applying for social housing support. I am determined to ensure that the social housing programme is framed in a manner which optimises the delivery of social housing and the return for the resources invested. To achieve this it is essential that we tailor the use of available Exchequer supports to prevailing conditions and explore the full range of solutions to address housing needs.
Question No. 69 answered with Question No. 43.
70. Deputy Seán Crowe
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the reason that, out of a total Department spend of €6million in respect of traveller specific accommodation, Dublin City was awarded €50,000 [39075/12]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O'Sullivan):
In accordance with the provisions of the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act, 1998, statutory responsibility for the provision of Traveller accommodation rests with the relevant housing authority. My Department’s role is to ensure that there is an adequate legislative and financial system in place to assist the authorities in providing such accommodation.
71. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
when he will make public his proposals to regulate the domestic waste collection industry. [39070/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
I published A Resource Opportunity - Waste Management Policy in Ireland in July 20112, on an express commitment of the Programme for Government. This brings much needed policy certainty to the waste sector, and will facilitate planning and investment decisions. The domestic waste collection industry is already regulated under existing waste management legislation and in particular, by the Waste Management (Collection Permit) Regulations 2007. The Government’s new waste policy sets out a range of proposals significantly to revise this regulatory regime to ensure, inter alia, that waste collected is managed in accordance with the waste hierarchy, that mandated service levels are delivered and that Customer Charters are put in place by all waste collection providers.
The work of developing new regulatory structures to give effect to these proposals has commenced and my Department will be engaging with a range of key stakeholders in relation to the detailed design of the new system. These will include the National Waste Collection Permitting Office, local authorities, the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Consumer Agency. It is my intention that the revised regulatory regime will deliver both enhanced environmental performance and a quality service for consumers.
72. Deputy Sandra McLellan
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
his plans to increase funding for social housing maintenance works in Budget 2013. [39065/12]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O'Sullivan):
Under section 58 of the Housing Act 1966, the management and maintenance of the local authority housing stock, including the compilation and funding of ongoing maintenance programmes and pre-letting repairs, is the responsibility of the relevant housing authority. Housing maintenance works are funded directly by local authorities from their own resources, including from rental income and receipts from the disposal of properties and sales of houses to tenants.
73. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
his views on the findings of the recent census that 230,000 units lie empty here while up to 5,000 are homeless; his plans to proceed with a housing first initiative to combat this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39068/12]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O'Sullivan):
I welcome the CSO's special Census report, Homeless Persons in Ireland as a further analysis of the homelessness problem. One of the biggest difficulties faced both here and internationally is the definition and categorisation of households who for one reason or another find themselves without a home for long or short periods of time. The CSO figure, published on 6 September 2012, of 3,808 persons either sleeping rough or in accommodation designated for the homeless is of course indicative of a persisting serious issue for our society. However, it is important to note that the rough sleeper count is 64, with 59 of those people located in Dublin. It is not tolerable that anyone should sleep on the streets but it is important that the homeless figures released are not confused with the number of people sleeping rough. The vast majority of people classified in the CSO's report as homeless are in long-term or emergency accommodation.
One of my priorities is to ensure that people have access to secure, stable, appropriate accommodation. Short-term interventions are not a long-term solution to homelessness. I am determined that real solutions for people who find themselves without a home are provided. The Programme for Government committed to reviewing the homeless strategy, The Way Home: A Strategy to Address Adult Homelessness in Ireland 2008-2013 and to implementing a housing led approach to homelessness. Work on the review is almost complete. The review will take account of demands on existing housing and will assess how best to continue providing services in a manner consistent with the elimination of existing homelessness and to ensure more effective prevention strategies. On its conclusion, I will be indicating what I expect from housing authorities and other stakeholders in accelerating progress towards realising the ambition of eliminating involuntary long-term homelessness.
Question No. 74 answered with Question No. 43.
75. Deputy Billy Timmins
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
his plans to change the composition of An Bord Pleanála; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36901/12]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O'Sullivan):
Appointments to the Board of An Bord Pleanála are governed by sections 105 to 107 of the Planning and Development Acts 2000 to 2010 and articles 56 to 65 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended. The appointment process provides that appointments are made by the Minister from nominees put forward by four representative panels of nominating bodies prescribed for this purpose.
Question No. 76 answered with Question No. 47.
77. Deputy Clare Daly
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the contribution private legal firms made in the preparation of the Pyrite Panel Report; the names of the firms and if any such firm had a conflict of interest having represented quarry owners, developers or contractors; and the amount they were paid for work on the Pyrite Panel Report. [38906/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
In response to the very difficult situation faced by homeowners affected by pyrite, I established the Pyrite Panel in September 2011. The Panel undertook its work independently of me and submitted its report to me at the end of June 2011. The Panel engaged in a consultation process with a wide range of stakeholders and others who it considered had a particular expertise on the subject of pyrite and could make a useful contribution to its work. The Panel met with 44 individuals/groups and they are listed in appendix 1 of the report.
78. Deputy Mick Wallace
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
when Irish Water is set up, which body or person will take responsibility for outstanding European Court of Justice cases in the field of environmental water quality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39041/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
Responsibility for European Court of Justice cases lies with the State and specifically, in relation to water quality matters, with the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. This will continue to be the case after the establishment of Irish Water.
Question No. 79 answered with Question No. 53.
80. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if his attention has been drawn to the plans of Dublin City Council to move away from the points system for social housing prioritisation; his plans to implement a national model for assessment of housing need and the prioritisation of that need based on international best practice. [39069/12]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O'Sullivan):
Under Section 22 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 all housing authorities are required to make an allocation scheme (in place of a scheme of letting priorities) for social housing. The making and amendment of such an allocation scheme is a reserved function of the elected members of each housing authority. The Social Housing Allocation Regulations 2011, which came into effect on 1 May 2011, set out the conditions that housing authorities must take into account when making their allocation schemes. Guidance on the making of allocation schemes has issued both from my Department and the Housing Agency. This guidance is available on the Housing Agency’s website (www.housing.ie).
81. Deputy Dessie Ellis
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Dublin City Council has been repossessing shared ownership homes which were in arrears and instead of placing them back into the housing stock are leasing the properties on three to four year contracts. [39064/12]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O'Sullivan):
Local authorities have long been the lenders of last resort servicing the housing loans needs of less affluent members of society. In the present economic circumstances it is to be anticipated that the ability of some borrowers to service housing loans may become restricted and that a number of loans may fall into arrears. Section 34 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 provides local authorities with powers to deal flexibly with distressed borrowers, and they have demonstrated sensitivity over the years in dealing with such cases. In March 2010 my Department issued guidelines to local authorities, based upon the Central Bank’s first Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears, which continued the tradition of handling arrears in a manner that is sympathetic to the needs of the particular household, while also protecting the position of the local authority concerned.
82. Deputy Mick Wallace
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he will provide a breakdown of the way he plans to fund local government in 2013 if he manages to implement the property tax proposed for next year; if he will provide a breakdown per annum of the sources and amounts of local government funding between 2006 and 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39042/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
The EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support for Ireland contains a commitment to introduce a property tax for 2012. This reflects the need to: – put the funding of locally-delivered services on a sound financial footing; improve accountability; and better align the cost of providing services with the demand for such services.
I established an Inter-Departmental expert group tasked with designing a property tax and the Group, chaired by Dr. Don Thornhill, considered the structures and modalities for an equitable valuation-based property tax. The Group has completed its work and submitted a report to me on 14 June 2012 which will be considered by Government in due course. It is expected that decisions on the new property tax will be taken in the context of Budget 2013. A Government decision has been taken to give the Revenue Commissioners responsibility for preparing the relevant legislation and the administration and collection of the "Local Property Tax". Appropriate preparatory work is being undertaken by the Revenue Commissioners.
General-Purpose Grants are just one of the sources of revenue for local authorities. Income from local sources such as commercial rates, housing rents, environmental and other waste charges, and charges for non-domestic water services provide over half of the current funding needs of local authorities. The balance of the funding is provided through specific State grants, the most important of which are local and regional road grants. Grants for capital purposes are provided separately by a range of Government Departments and agencies.
The following table sets out the sources and amounts of local government revenue funding from 2006 to 2012.
Commercial Rates | General Purpose Grants | Pension related Deductions | Goods & Services | Grants & Subsidies | Income | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2006 | 1,190,765,417 | 876,940,294 | 1,279,187,272 | 1,107,685,885 | 4,454,578,869 | |
2007 | 1,269,257,446 | 948,570,922 | 1,429,441,038 | 1,171,217,354 | 4,818,486,760 | |
2008 | 1,358,374,584 | 1,000,329,864 | 1,444,510,400 | 1,192,499,194 | 4,995,714,042 | |
2009 | 1,408,720,936 | 836,579,777 | 72,722,668 | 1,344,687,140 | 1,136,053,238 | 4,798,763,759 |
2010 | 1,430,177,414 | 760,816,780 | 86,114,618 | 1,261,251,121 | 1,225,039,452 | 4,763,399,385 |
2011* | 1,367,521,241 | 705,392,846 | 78,129,962 | 1,246,353,924 | 1,128,560,993 | 4,525,958,966 |
2012* | 1,461,366,275 | 651,919,291 | 78,279,496 | 1,180,234,228 | 958,162,990 | 4,329,962,280 |
83. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the position regarding the Priory Hall, Dublin, resolution process; when this process will be concluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39033/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
The resolution process, which I understand is on-going, arose in the context of legal proceedings which were adjourned to afford relevant parties the opportunity to work together, under the chairmanship of Justice Finnegan, to identify a way forward in relation to the complex problems at Priory Hall. Given that the matter is before the courts, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further other than to urge all concerned to afford Justice Finnegan the opportunity to complete the task which he is undertaking.
84. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he will provide an update on the report on the realignment of local government; and when same will be published. [39074/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
As indicated in the reply to Question Nos. 43, 56, 69 and 74 on today’s order paper, the policy statement and action programme for the reform of local government, which I will shortly publish, will, inter alia, address the alignment of local and community development with local government. The approach in this regard will take account of the recommendations of the Steering Group that I established last year to examine these issues. The Steering Group’s final report will also be available shortly on my Department’s website.
86. Deputy Denis Naughten
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
his plans to enhance the group sewerage scheme grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38779/12]
1060. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he intends increasing the maximum grants under the group sewerage and group water schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37855/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 86 and 1060 together.
87. Deputy Micheál Martin
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
his views on whether it will now be 2016 before water charges are introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38807/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
The Programme for Government and the Memorandum of Understanding with the EU, the IMF and the ECB provide for the introduction of domestic water charges. The Government considers that charging for water based on usage is the fairest way to charge for water and it has decided that water meters should be installed in households connected to public water supplies. International evidence has shown that where meters have been installed significant reductions have been achieved in the level of consumption and this is also borne out by the water savings achieved with metering in the group water sector. The Memorandum of Understanding with the EU, the IMF and the ECB requires the introduction of domestic water charges during the programme period.
88. Deputy Gerald Nash
asked the Taoiseach
if he intends to undertake a review of the initiative taken by the Government to publicly advertise positions available on the boards of semi-State companies and statutory agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37165/12]
The Taoiseach:
There are no plans currently to undertake a review of the initiative to publicly advertise positions available on the boards of semi-State companies and statutory agencies.
89. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan
asked the Taoiseach
the key sectors in which jobs have been lost each quarter of 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37683/12]
Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach (Deputy Paul Kehoe):
90. Deputy Robert Troy
asked the Taoiseach
the composition of the Cabinet sub committee on the Children's Referendum; the number of times it has met; the persons present at those meetings; the dates of those meetings.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38439/12]
The Taoiseach:
The Cabinet Committee on the Children's Referendum comprises the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, the Minister for Justice and Equality, and the Attorney General.
The Committee has met on two occasions to date - 23 August 2012 and 31 August 2012.
91. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Taoiseach
the actual net migration to this State between April 2006 and April 2011; the estimated intercensal estimate of net migration between those same two dates and the reason for the difference; the steps that have been taken by the Central Statistics Office to improve the accuracy of its intercensal estimates. [38529/12]
Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach (Deputy Paul Kehoe):
Net migration for the period 2006 to 2011 was 116,000. This was derived as the difference between the total usually resident population as measured at both censuses less the natural increase in the population (that is the births less the deaths) for the intervening period. The preliminary estimate of net migration over the 2006 to 2011 period, published as part of the annual population estimates series, was 29,000, giving a difference of 87,000 compared with the census figure.
92. Deputy Michael McGrath
asked the Taoiseach
the input/output models that are used in the calculation of the national accounts for the years these are available in tabular form; and if he will set these tables out. [36120/12]
Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach (Deputy Paul Kehoe):
Supply and Use tables are compiled annually for Ireland, in line with EU regulations (Regulation (EC) No. 2223/96), which require their publication within a 3-year time lag. The tables, in their current format, have been published for the years 2000 to 2008 (2003 and 2004 on the web-only). Input-output tables are published at five-yearly intervals, also in line with EU regulations (Regulation (EC) No. 2223/96), most recently for the year 2005. Input-output tables for the year 2000 are also available. The compilation of the tables is coordinated with the publication of the National Accounts and the main National Accounts aggregates in the Supply and Use tables correspond with those in the latest National Accounts publication available at the time of the release of the Supply and Use tables.
93. Deputy Jerry Buttimer
asked the Taoiseach
if he will provide details of the number of political advisors employed by each of his predecessors in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36933/12]
Taoiseach (Deputy Enda Kenny):
94. Deputy Jerry Buttimer
asked the Taoiseach
if he will provide details of the number of political advisors employed by him or his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36934/12]
105. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald
asked the Taoiseach
if he will provide a list of all Special Advisors appointed by him or his Ministers of State since March 2011 whose salary exceeds the first pay point of the Principal Officer Standard Scale; the Special Advisors names and salaries and salary increases awarded the aforementioned Special Advisors since March 2011. [36952/12]
128. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Taoiseach
the number and names of all special advisers, special press advisers, or any other type of Ministerial adviser in his Department; the name of the Minister or Minister of State to whom they report; the salary of each advisor now; the salary of each advisor at the time they were appointed; if any salary increase was asked for; if this was granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37500/12]
133. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Taoiseach
the political activities of each special adviser, special press advisers, or any other type of Ministerial adviser in his Department; if any of them were members of a political party; if so the parties to which they belonged; if any of them are or have been elected local authority members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37581/12]
142. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Taoiseach
the names of special advisors for whom salary increases have been requested; the amount requested; the details of those granted increases and the amount by which they were increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40026/12]
95. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan
asked the Taoiseach
if he will extend the agenda of the Constitutional Convention to include the abolition of ground rent property rights and ensure that all freeholds are unencumbered by the medieval ground rent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36935/12]
96. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan
asked the Taoiseach
if he will extend the agenda of the Constitutional Convention to include the right of citizens to a home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36936/12]
The Taoiseach:
I propose to take Questions Nos. 95 and 96 together.
97. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Taoiseach
if he will provide a breakdown of costs, including autocue, make up, consultants and other costs, incurred in his addresses to the nation in December 2011 and in May 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36937/12]
Taoiseach (Deputy Enda Kenny):
My Department incurred no costs in respect of my addresses to the nation on Sunday 4th December 2011, and Sunday 27th May 2012.
98. Deputy Niall Collins
asked the Taoiseach
the number of sick days taken by staff in his Department in 2009, 2010 and 2011; the average number of sick days per staff in total across his Department and broken down by Department section in 2009, 2010 and 2011; the median number of sick days per staff in total across his Department and broken down by Department section in 2009, 2010 and 2011 in tabular form. [36938/12]
Taoiseach (Deputy Enda Kenny):
99. Deputy Terence Flanagan
asked the Taoiseach
if he will outline his priorities for the year ahead and the achievements from the Programme for Government to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36942/12]
Taoiseach (Deputy Enda Kenny):
Last March, the Tanáiste and I launched the Programme for Government Annual Progress Report 2012 , a copy of which can be found on my Department’s website. The report sets out the Government’s work and achievements in its first year in office and outlines key Government prioirities for the year ahead. As outlined in the report, there has been significant activity across all Government Departments with particular attention and progress in stabilising the economy and our finances, improving our international reputation and focusing on the creation of jobs.
100. Deputy Dominic Hannigan
asked the Taoiseach
if he will provide details on monies provided under any funding scheme by any section of his Department or any State agency under his Department's aegis to any group, scheme or project in County Meath in the years 2011, and up to July 2012 under the following headings: address, amount, purpose and under the funding scheme it was granted or awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36943/12]
The Taoiseach:
My Department provided no funding to any group, scheme or project in County Meath from 1st Jan 2011 to the end of July 2012.
: Questions Nos. 101 and 102 answered with Question No. 1.
103. Deputy Micheál Martin
asked the Taoiseach
when the Committee on Economic Recovery and Jobs met recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36949/12]
The Taoiseach:
The last meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Recovery and Jobs was on 3rd July. The Committee will next meet on Thursday 20th September.
The Taoiseach:
I wish to take Questions Nos. 105, 128, 133 and 142 together.
There are five Special Advisers employed by my Department, four of whom are my Special Advisers and one of whom is Special Adviser to the Government Chief Whip. The details requested in relation to their salaries and who they report to is set out in the following table.
| Name | Title | Reports To | Current Salary | Salary at Time of Appointment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Kennelly | Chief of Staff | Taoiseach | €168,000 | €168,000 |
| Andrew McDowell | Special Adviser | Taoiseach | €168,000 | €168,000 |
| Paul O'Brien | Special Adviser | Taoiseach | €83,337 | €80,051 |
| Angela Flanagan | Special Adviser | Taoiseach | €83,337 | €80,051 |
| Mark O'Doherty | Special Adviser | Government Chief Whip | €83,337 | €80,051 |
95. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan
asked the Taoiseach
if he will extend the agenda of the Constitutional Convention to include the abolition of ground rent property rights and ensure that all freeholds are unencumbered by the medieval ground rent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36935/12]
96. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan
asked the Taoiseach
if he will extend the agenda of the Constitutional Convention to include the right of citizens to a home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36936/12]
The Taoiseach:
I propose to take Questions Nos. 95 and 96 together.
97. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Taoiseach
if he will provide a breakdown of costs, including autocue, make up, consultants and other costs, incurred in his addresses to the nation in December 2011 and in May 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36937/12]
Taoiseach (Deputy Enda Kenny):
My Department incurred no costs in respect of my addresses to the nation on Sunday 4th December 2011, and Sunday 27th May 2012.
98. Deputy Niall Collins
asked the Taoiseach
the number of sick days taken by staff in his Department in 2009, 2010 and 2011; the average number of sick days per staff in total across his Department and broken down by Department section in 2009, 2010 and 2011; the median number of sick days per staff in total across his Department and broken down by Department section in 2009, 2010 and 2011 in tabular form. [36938/12]
Taoiseach (Deputy Enda Kenny):
The information sought by the Deputy in relation to sick absence statictics for the staff of my Department is listed in the table below.
Year | Number of sick days taken by staff | Average number of sick days per staff member | Median number of sick days |
|---|---|---|---|
2009 | 2,057.05 | 9.75 | 5.5 |
2010 | 1,247.47 | 6.15 | 5 |
2011 | 1,402.60 | 8.20 | 7 |
99. Deputy Terence Flanagan
asked the Taoiseach
if he will outline his priorities for the year ahead and the achievements from the Programme for Government to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36942/12]
Taoiseach (Deputy Enda Kenny):
Last March, the Tanáiste and I launched the Programme for Government Annual Progress Report 2012 , a copy of which can be found on my Department’s website. The report sets out the Government’s work and achievements in its first year in office and outlines key Government prioirities for the year ahead. As outlined in the report, there has been significant activity across all Government Departments with particular attention and progress in stabilising the economy and our finances, improving our international reputation and focusing on the creation of jobs.
100. Deputy Dominic Hannigan
asked the Taoiseach
if he will provide details on monies provided under any funding scheme by any section of his Department or any State agency under his Department's aegis to any group, scheme or project in County Meath in the years 2011, and up to July 2012 under the following headings: address, amount, purpose and under the funding scheme it was granted or awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36943/12]
The Taoiseach:
My Department provided no funding to any group, scheme or project in County Meath from 1st Jan 2011 to the end of July 2012.
Questions Nos. 101 and 102 answered with Question No. 1.
103. Deputy Micheál Martin
asked the Taoiseach
when the Committee on Economic Recovery and Jobs met recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36949/12]
The Taoiseach:
The last meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Recovery and Jobs was on 3rd July. The Committee will next meet on Thursday 20th September.
104. Deputy Micheál Martin
asked the Taoiseach
the stage the draft legislation in relation to Cabinet confidentiality is at within his Department, the number of meetings that have taken place to discuss same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36950/12]
The Taoiseach:
As I have previously said in the House, Cabinet confidentiality is provided for in the Constitution and I have no plans to hold a referendum on the matter.
Question No. 105 answered with Question No. 94.
106. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald
asked the Taoiseach
the annual saving to the Exchequer if all board members fees paid to agencies under his aegis were cut by 25%, 35% and 50%. [36953/12]
The Taoiseach:
The National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO) is the only State Agency under the aegis of my Department. The NESDO was established under the NESDO Act 2006 and is the body corporate for the National Economic and Social Council (NESC). NESDO Board Members and NESC members do not receive any fees.
Although the National Statistics Board (NSB) is not classified as an agency under my aegis, I am providing the following for the information of the Deputy. Under the Statistics Act, 1993, the National Statistics Board comprises a Chairperson and seven Board members. My functions in relation to the NSB were delegated to the Government Chief Whip, Minister of State Paul Kehoe T.D., on the 22 March 2011.
Appointments to the NSB are made in line with the provisions of Section 18 of the Statistics Act 1993. The Chairperson receives an annual stipend of €8,978 and four of the seven Board members are paid an annual stipend of €5,985. The other members are serving cvil servants and receive no additional remuneration for serving on the Board. The costs of the Board are met from the CSO Vote. The following savings would arise if the stipends paid to board members were reduced by 25%, 35% and 50%:
% Reduction | Potential Savings |
|---|---|
25% | €8,229.50 |
35% | €11,521.30 |
50% | €16,459.00 |
107. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald
asked the Taoiseach
the annual saving to Exchequer if the pay of all Chief Executive Officers of State agencies under his aegis were capped at €100,000. [36954/12]
The Taoiseach:
The saving that would accrue in relation to the only agency under the aegis of my Department would be €57,196 per annum.
108. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald
asked the Taoiseach
if he will provide in a tabular form a list of all professional fees including but not limited to legal, consultancy, IT related, advisory, advertising, and accountancy; the company name; and the amount invoiced since March 2011 to the end of June 2012. [36955/12]
The Taoiseach:
The following table provides details of professional fees paid by my Department from 1 March 2011 to end June 2012.
| 1 March 2011 to end December 2011 | ||
|---|---|---|
Company Name | Description | Amount Paid € |
| Bearing Point Ireland | IT related | 1,854.35 |
| Brindley Advertising Ltd | Advertising | 94,095.59 |
| Conradh na Gaeilge | Advertising | 200.00 |
| IPoptions Ltd | IT related | 4,235.00 |
| IT Force Ltd | IT related | 102,808.86 |
| QTS Ltd | Consultancy | 1,270.50 |
| RITS Pondera | IT related | 11,495.00 |
| System Dynamics Ltd | IT related | 317.63 |
| Tower Watson (Ireland) Ltd | Consultancy | 12,100.00 |
| Truvo Ireland Ltd | IT related | 6,766.32 |
| 2012 | ||
| Bearing Point Ireland | IT related | 1,166.37 |
| Brindley Advertising Ltd | Advertising | 369,044.02 |
| Caroline Erskine | Consultancy | 19,803.00 |
| IT Force Ltd | IT related | 46,936.80 |
| Lesley Conroy | Advertising | 3,129.20 |
| MacGeehin Toale Solicitors | Legal | 241,675.75 |
| OTS Ltd | IT related | 1,270.50 |
109. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald
asked the Taoiseach
the cost to the Exchequer for the provision of agency staff in his Department or State agencies under his aegis. [36956/12]
The Taoiseach:
No cost arises for the Exchequer as agency staff are not employed by my Department or the National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO).
110. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald
asked the Taoiseach
if he will provide a list of his Departments public private partnership projects currently in payment to provide in a tabular format a list of public private partnerships projects in payment; the name of the project; the capital cost of the project and the total projected amount of the PPP repayments by Government for each project. [36957/12]
The Taoiseach:
My Department has funded no Public Private Partnership projects to date in 2012.
111. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald
asked the Taoiseach
if he will provide in tabular form details of public service provision responsibilities of his Department outsourced to the private sector; and the cost of each service outsourced over the past 12 months. [36958/12]
The Taoiseach:
None of my Department's responsibilities are outsourced to the private sector.
112. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald
asked the Taoiseach
if he will provide a list of all current time-related savings delayed spending of Budget 2012 allocations on staff and and/or resources in his Department. [36959/12]
The Taoiseach:
There are no current time-related savings/delayed spending of Budget 2012 allocations on staff and/or resources in my Department.
113. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald
asked the Taoiseach
if he will provide a list of all State agencies under his aegis; the total annual cost of each agency to the Exchequer. [36960/12]
119. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Taoiseach
the number of agencies, authorities, boards, committees, working groups, tribunals, council services, task forces, agencies or other quangos set up by his Department since February 2011; the number abolished since then; the extra cost of quangos which were established; the savings from the abolition of quangos; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37252/12]
120. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Taoiseach
the estimated cost of each quango in his Department; the amount expected to be saved from the mergers of quangos in his Department; the basis for this figure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37268/12]
141. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Taoiseach
the number of State bodies that have been set up since 9 March 2011; the rationale behind these decisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40002/12]
The Taoiseach:
I propose to take Questions Nos. 113, 119, 120 and 141 together.
The National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO) is the only agency under the aegis of my Department. It was established under the NESDO Act 2006 and is the body corporate for the National Economic and Social Council (NESC). NESDO has already completed a substantial restructuring programme. On 1 April 2010, two of its constituent bodies, the National Economic and Social Forum (NESF) and the National Centre for Partnership and Performance (NCPP) were dissolved. This led to substantial savings on both pay and non-pay expenditure, mainly as a result of reduced accommodation, rent, staffing levels and administrative costs. The 2012 Estimate for NESDO is €2,220,000. This is a reduction of over €1.1m on 2010.
My Department also rationalised the work and achieved substantial savings in relation to three other bodies which were formerly within its remit in recent years. The total separate programme funding for the work of the Ireland Newfoundland Partnership and the Active Citizenship Office ceased in 2009. The separate Offices in these areas have been discontinued which has given rise to savings in my Department’s Estimates of approximately €356,000 per annum. The National Forum on Europe was closed in 2009 which also gave rise to savings in the Estimates of €360,000.
The only working groups set up by my Department since February 2011 are: the China Follow-Up Group, which was established following my visit to China in March 2012; and the Communications Working Group, established earlier this year to ensure a coordinated approach to promoting Ireland’s international reputation. Both of these interdepartmental groups comprise officials from across Government Departments and agencies. Meetings are chaired by officials from my Department.
114. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald
asked the Taoiseach
the number of retired civil or public servants that have been rehired by his Department since March 2012; their positions and accompanying salaries. [36961/12]
115. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald
asked the Taoiseach
the number of retired civil or public servants that have been retained by his Department since March 2012 on a short term contract or on a consultancy basis where normal abatement rules do not apply. [36962/12]
The Taoiseach:
I propose to take Questions Nos. 114 and 115 together.
116. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald
asked the Taoiseach
if he will provide details of his telecommunications services 2012 budget [36963/12]
The Taoiseach:
The total telecommunications budget for my Department for 2012 is €496,000 which includes telephonist salaries, fixed voice, mobile and data costs as well as Voice Over IP, Video Conferencing and maintenance costs.
117. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan
asked the Taoiseach
if he will details the amounts spent by previous Taoisigh and Ministers of State within his Department on subsistence, mobile phone communications, and recouped expenses, with indications given to the portions that are both vouched and un-vouched for each year from 1 January 2007 to 9 March 2011 inclusive; the extent of such expenditure that was discharged directly by the Department on behalf of the Minister concerned and the extent to which the expenditure was discharged by credit card directly by or on behalf of the Taoiseach involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36965/12]
The Taoiseach:
The tables accompanying detail expenditure on subsistence, mobile phone communications, and recouped expenses, for each year from 1 January 2007 to 9 March 2011 inclusive in respect of previous Taoisigh and Ministers of State at this Department.
2007
| Name: | Mobile Phone | Subsistence/ Recouped Expenses |
|---|---|---|
| Bertie Ahern | €0.00 | €2,243.77 |
| Tom Kitt | €2,465.56 | €776.65 |
| Noel Treacy | €0.00 | €0.00 |
| Dick Roche | €2416.70 | €340.67 |
| Name: | Mobile Phone | Subsistence/ Recouped Expenses |
|---|---|---|
| Bertie Ahern | €0.00 | €1,330.96 |
| Brian Cowen | €1,482.80 | €2,968.64 |
| Tom Kitt | €1,190.86 | €2,777.88 |
| Noel Treacy | €0.00 | €0.00 |
| Dick Roche | €3,122.57 | €0.00 |
| Pat Carey | €908.93 | €95.38 |
| Name: | Mobile Phone | Subsistence/ Recouped Expenses |
|---|---|---|
| Brian Cowen | €915.51 | €985.95 |
| Dick Roche | €2,146.32 | €0.00 |
| Pat Carey | €1,482.05 | €0.00 |
| Name: | Mobile Phone | Subsistence/ Recouped Expenses |
|---|---|---|
| Brian Cowen | €1,167.08 | €470.00 |
| Dick Roche | €2,145.72 | €639.27 |
| Pat Carey | €300.91 | €0.00 |
| John Curran | €666.52 | €4,802.83 |
| Dara Calleary | €0.00 | €0.00 |
| Name: | Mobile Phone | Subsistence/ Recouped Expenses |
|---|---|---|
| Brian Cowen | €238.61 | €0.00 |
| Dick Roche | €456.76 | €0.00 |
| John Curran | €619.92 | €0.00 |
| Dara Calleary | €0.00 | €0.00 |
118. Deputy Brian Stanley
asked the Taoiseach
if he will provide a detailed breakdown on the total annual spend, including all grants, by his Department on all structures of local government here for 2011, and also for June 2011 to June 2012. [36966/12]
The Taoiseach:
My Department has incurred no expenditure on structures of local Government from 2011 to end June 2012.
Questions Nos. 119 and 120 answered with Question No. 113.
121. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Taoiseach
the total amount spent on taxis by his Department since February 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37332/12]
The Taoiseach:
The total expenditure on home and foreign taxis by my Department from February 2011 to end of August 2012 was €57,593. My Department entered a contract for the provision of taxi services in March 2012 following a competitive tendering process.
122. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Taoiseach
the number of press officers in his Department; the number of press officers in each agency under his auspices; the total cost of press officers in his Department and in agencies under his auspices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37348/12]
The Taoiseach:
The total cost of salaries in 2011 for the five press officers in my Department, the Government Press Secretary, the Deputy Government Press Secretary and Head of Government Information Service and the Assistant Government Press Secretary was €667,958. No Press Officers are employed in the National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO), which is the only agency under the aegis of my Department.
123. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Taoiseach
the total number of board appointees he has made since he came to office; the names, salaries and expenses of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37364/12]
143. Deputy Gerald Nash
asked the Taoiseach
the number of appointments that have been made to positions available on the boards of semi-State companies and statutory agencies following public advertisement; if he will provide details of the names of persons who have been appointed under this initiative and the agencies on which they now sit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40039/12]
The Taoiseach:
I propose to takes Questions Nos. 123 and 143 together.
Since coming into office on 9 March 2011, I have made appointments to the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) and the National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO), as set out in the accompanying tables.
Table 1: NESC Membership Appointments Since 9 March, 2011
Name | Organisation | Date of Appointment | Travel and Subsistence Payments since 9 March 2011 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mr. Martin Fraser, Chairperson of NESC | Secretary General, Department of the Taoiseach | August 2011 | Nil |
| Mr. John Shaw, Deputy Chairperson of NESC | Assistant Secretary, Department of the Taoiseach | January 2012 | Nil |
| Prof. Edgar Morgenroth | Associate Research Professor, Economic and Social Research Institute | June 2011 | Nil |
| Prof. John McHale | Economist, National University of Ireland, Galway | June 2011 | €196.76 |
| Prof. Mary Daly | Department of Sociology, Social Policy and Social Work, Queen’s University Belfast | June 2011 | €174.06 |
| Prof. Anna Davis | Department of Geography, Trinity College Dublin | June 2011 | Nil |
| Prof. Seán Ó Riain | Department of Sociology, National University of Ireland, Maynooth | June 2011 | Nil |
| Dr. Michael O’Sullivan | Head of Portfolio Strategy and Thematic Research, Credit Suisse, London | June 2011 | €4,308.28 |
| Ms. Mary Walsh | Chartered Accountant | June 2011 | Nil |
| Dr. Michelle Norris | Senior Lecturer, School of Applied Social Science, University College Dublin. | July 2011 | Nil |
| Mr. Shay Cody | IMPACT | September 2011 | Nil |
| Mr. John Murphy | Secretary General, Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation | November 2011 | Nil |
| Mr. Seán Ó Foghlú | Secretary General, Department of Education and Skills | February 2012 | Nil |
| Mr. John Moran | Secretary General, Department of Finance | March 2012 | Nil |
Name | Organisation | Date of Appointment | Travel and Subsistence Payments since 9 March 2011 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mr. Martin Fraser, Chairperson of NESDO | Secretary General, Department of the Taoiseach | August 2011 | Nil |
| Mr. John Shaw, Deputy Chairperson of NESDO | Assistant Secretary, Department of the Taoiseach | January 2012 | Nil |
124. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Taoiseach
if he will detail, in tabular form, the total photography costs for his Department since coming to office inclusive of costs incurred from use of the Ministerial allowance; the occasions for which photographers were booked; the photographers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion that a photographers was used; if there is a policy regarding the booking of photographers within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37380/12]
The Taoiseach:
The total spend by my Department on photography from 10th March 2011 to end of August 2012 is €37,196. This figure includes photography costs for major events such as the Visit of President Obama and the Presidential Inauguration. Increasingly my Department utilises its own staff to take photographs in house thereby reducing costs. The comparable cost in 2008 for example, was €83,398.00.
For major events and inward state visits my Department continues to use the services of a professional photographic agency. The table below provides a breakdown of costs for each occasion a photographer was engaged since March 2011. My Department tendered for the provision of photography services for the period 8th June 2012 to 31st August 2012 from the central photography framework and the contract was awarded to Lafayette Photography. My Department is currently tendering for the period of September to the end of June 2013.
Departmental Spend on photography from March 2011 to end of April 2012
| Supplier | Description | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | ||
| MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY | Flight of The Earls | €30.25 |
| MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY | Aras Dissolution 01/02/2011 | €78.04 |
| MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY | Fulbright Awards images 24/06/2010 | €151.25 |
| The Press Association | 19-April-2011, The Press Association, Nottingham, | €139.30 |
| HACKETT REPROGRAGHICS | Hackett's Reprographics Visa photos for 1 of the Taoiseach's delegation for USA Mar 2011, 10 Mar 2011 | €20.25 |
| MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY | Commemoration 24/04/2011 | €502.45 |
| MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY | SDLP 14/04/2011 | €371.17 |
| MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY | Launch of Census 10/3/2011 | €357.25 |
| MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY | Newly appointed Ministers 15/03/2011 | €478.25 |
| MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY | A/C TAOI - Jesse Jackson 21/03/2011 | €409.58 |
| MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY | Book of Condolence - Japan 22/03/2011 | €402.84 |
| MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY | US Ambassador Dan Rooney 28/03/2011 | €401.42 |
| MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY | Jpegs 1916 Commemoration 04/04/2011 | €60.50 |
| MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY | Mass New Dail 09/03/2011 | €508.50 |
| MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY | Taoiseach Office P Call 09/03/2011 | €538.75 |
| MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY | Reception New Ministers 09/03/2011 | €391.13 |
| MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY | New Cabinet Meeting 10/03/2011 | €492.17 |
| MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY | New Ministers Appointments 09/03/2011 | €780.75 |
| MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY | The Late Dr. Garret Fitzgerald's Funeral 21-22 May 2011. | €2,395.50 |
| My PhotoBook.ie | 27 May 2011 Eoghan O'Neachtain - My Photo Book.ie | €140.80 |
| MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY | President Obama Visit all day 23 May 2011. | €4,537.50 |
| MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY | Taoiseach Enda Kenny & Church Leaders on 19 May 2011 at Gov. Buildings. | €409.58 |
| MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY | British PM Visit to Gov. Buildings on 18 May 2011. | €629.50 |
| MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY | US Congressman on 16 May 2011, assignment covering attendance, taking colour, processing, digital contact sheet. | €280.42 |
| MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY | Hungarian Prime Minister 01-06-11 | €409.57 |
| MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY | Excellence Awards ON 09/06/2011 | €857.60 |
| MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY | North South Ministerial Council 10-6-11 | €812.21 |
| MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY | President of European Council 17-6-11 | €562.04 |
| MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY | President Obama Visit 23 May 2011 | €260.15 |
| MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY | Obama and Cabinet Ministers 23 May 2011 | €740.52 |
| MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY | Maxwells Invoice - New Ambassadors 30-6-11 | €332.75 |
| MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY | Chinese Delegation - Invoice no 29476 | €357.25 |
| MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY | Saudi Minister 14 June 2011 30/06/2011. | €280.42 |
| MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY | Richard Haass meets Taoiseach Enda Kenny on 01/04/2011. | €371.17 |
| LK Photo | Photographer D. Taoiseach DFA Bill | €2,106.14 |
| MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY | 29/07/2011 - New Sec Gen and Ian Paisley on 26/07/2011. | €318.84 |
| MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY | 29/07/2011- Meeting EU Parliament President 12 July 2011. | €696.05 |
| MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY | Strategy for International Services Industry 14-7-2011 29/07/2011. | €349.08 |
| HACKETT REPROGRAGHICS | Product code FPP75DIG10-15, (QTY 10-15) 7x5 Digital Prints. | €30.76 |
| J. Higgins Photos | Taoiseach 4/5 May 2011 - New York | €303.30 |
| MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY | Arvato meeting with Taoiseach ON 21 Sept 2011 29/09/2011. | €560.84 |
| Gettyimages | Kate O'Toole - 19 November 2011 - www.gettyimages.com | €212.96 |
| MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY | Photocall TAOISEACH & New SDLP Leader 09/11/2011. | €340.92 |
| MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY | Photographer for the Presidential Inauguration on 11/11/2011. | €3,956.70 |
| 2012 | ||
| MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY | Taoiseach signs Book of condolence 20 Dec 2011. | €371.17 |
| MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY | Taoiseach - Christmas Media Meeting 22 Dec 2011. | €296.75 |
| The Press Association | 12/01/12 Photos of Prime Minister D Cameron with Taoiseach E Kenny 10 Downing St | €122.01 |
| MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY | Maxwells Photography - Inv no 30601 - British Irish council 13/01/12 | €531.05 |
| MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY | Maxwells Photography - Photos/Taoiseach meeting with Dep PM Nick Clegg | €377.30 |
| MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY | Blue Star Programmes on 07/02/2012. | €539.36 |
| MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY | EU Presidency Job winning logo on 02/02/2012. | €687.26 |
| MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY | Taoiseach & Tánaiste attend 'Progress to date' launch 07/03/2012. | €195.57 |
| FRANK FENNELL PHOTOGRAPHY LTD | Launch of the Stability Treaty website, 19 April 2012. | €409.63 |
| FRANK FENNELL PHOTOGRAPHY LTD | Service provided for the Olympic Torch at Govt Buildings on 06/06/2012. | €268.45 |
| QiLai | Taoiseach's visit to China 25/28 March 2012 | €2,817.49 |
| MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY | Carers Strategy Launch in the Italian Room on 19th July 2012. | €439.11 |
| LK Photos | Taoiseach's visit to US 19-21 March 2012. | €1,774.78 |
125. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Taoiseach
if he will detail in tabular form, the total cost of providing entertainment for his Department since coming to office inclusive of costs incurred from use of the Ministerial allowance; the occasions for which entertainment was provided; the entertainers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion; if there is a policy regarding the booking of entertainers within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37452/12]
126. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Taoiseach
the amount spent on food and drink by his Department; if he will provide a breakdown of what this involved; the occasions on which food and drink was provided; those present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37468/12]
The Taoiseach:
I propose to take Questions Nos. 125 and 126 together.
The total expenditure by my Department on official and state entertainment from 10 March 2011 to end August 2012 was €158,546. The accompanying table provides details of major events for which entertainment was provided, the supplier used, and the costs. My Department tenders for the provision of all entertainment.
| Date | Event Description | Vendor Name | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4th April 2011 | Visit by His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco | Catering (Wine) - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade | € 962.20 |
| Catering - Knights Catering | € 5,578.00 | ||
| Total | € 6,540.20 | ||
| 17 & 18 May 2011 | State Visit of HRH Queen Elizabeth II - Islandbridge Wreath-laying Ceremony | Catering - Fitzers Catering | € 7,093.75 |
| 22nd May 2011 | State Funeral of Dr. Garret FitzGerald | Catering - UCD O’Reilly Hall | € 22,646.02 |
| Staff Catering - | € 109.30 | ||
| Total | € 22,755.32 | ||
| 23rd May 2011 | State Visit by President of the United States of America Barrack Obama | Catering and Room Hire - Buswells Hotel | € 970.00 |
| Total | € 970.00 | ||
| 17th June 2011 | Visit by President of the President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy | Catering – Fitzers | € 1,058.35 |
| 11th July 2011 | National Day of Commemoration 2011 | Catering – Cypress Catering | € 21,980.56 |
| 3rd November 2011 | Dinner in honour of Mary McAleese | Catering – Knights Catering | € 2,957.66 |
| 11th November 2011 | Presidential Inauguration | Catering – Fitzers | € 45,265.75 |
| Catering – Houses of the Oireachtas | € 70.28 | ||
| Total | € 45,336.03 | ||
| 19th February 2012 | Visit by Chinese Vice President, Xi JingPing | Catering – Vinny Hanlon Catering | € 12,236.47 |
| 15th June 2012 | Reception for International Eucharistic Congress | Catering – Knights Catering | € 9,639.49 |
| 8th July 2012 | National Day of Commemoration 2012 | Catering – Brambles | € 21,799.04 |
| Catering – Houses of the Oireachtas | € 278.44 | ||
| Total | € 22,077.48 | ||
| 15th August 2012 | Reception in honour of the Irish Olympic Team 2012 | Catering – Knights Catering | € 5,901.42 |
127. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Taoiseach
the amount spent on hair and make-up by his Department since he came to office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37484/12]
The Taoiseach:
My Department has incurred no cost on hair and make-up from 9 March 2011 to date.
Question No. 128 answered with Question No. 94.
129. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Taoiseach
if he will provide detail in tabular form, the names of all external public relations and consultancy persons and organisations used by his Department for the years 2011 and 2010; the amount paid to each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37516/12]
131. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Taoiseach
if he will detail in tabular form, the amount paid on external public relations and communications consultants since February 2011; the reason for the payment; the name of each organisation used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37549/12]
132. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Taoiseach
if he will detail in tabular form, the amount paid to consultants since February 2011; the name of each organisation used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37565/12]
The Taoiseach:
I propose to take Questions Nos. 129, 131 and 132 together.
The accompanying table provides details of all expenditure by my Department on external public relations, consultants including communications consultants from 1 January 2010 to end August 2012.
| 2010 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Name of Company | Reason for payment | Amount paid |
| Mazars | Payroll Audit of Financial Shared Service Centre | €2,499.86 |
| Mercer (Ireland) Ltd | Staff surveys for the Organisational Review Programme | €23,595.00 |
| 2011 | ||
| Name of Company | Reason for payment | Amount paid |
| QTS Ltd | Health & Safety Consultancy H&S Safety Statement 2011. | €1,270.50 |
| Towers Watson (Ireland) Ltd | Facilitation of ORP Workshops and Report | €12,100.00 |
| 2012 | ||
| Name of Company | Reason for payment | Amount paid |
| QTS Ltd | Health & Safety Consultancy - Annual Safety Review to include Risk Assessment Nov/Dec 2011 & Full Review & Update of Safety Statement 2012 | €1,270.50 |
| Caroline Erskine | EU Communications Advisory Service | €25,830.00 |
130. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Taoiseach
the gross annual salary costs for his private and constituency offices at present; the same figures for this time last year; and the same figures for any Ministers of State in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37533/12]
The Taoiseach:
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the accompanying table:
Office | September 2011 | September 2012 |
|---|---|---|
| Taoiseach's Private Office | €1,065,227 | €1,080,286 |
| Taoiseach's Constituency Office | €281,422 | €289,151 |
| Government Chief Whip's Private Office | €281,267 | €275,134 |
| Government Chief Whip's Constituency Office | €133,180 | €136,326 |
| Minister of State for European Affairs's Private Office | €104,406 | €104,243 |
Questions Nos. 131 and 132 answered with Question No. 129.
Question No. 133 answered with Question No. 94.
134. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Taoiseach
the amount spent by his Department on drivers and Ministerial transport since February 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37597/12]
The Taoiseach:
My Department has incurred no spend on drivers and ministerial transport since February 2011.
135. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Taoiseach
the total amount spent since February 2011 on external reports commissioned by his Department, including payments from Ministerial allowances, details of the consultants employed and costs of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37629/12]
The Taoiseach:
The accompanying table provides details of external reports commissioned by my Department from 1 February 2011 to end August 2012.
Name of Consultant | Details of Report Commissioned | € |
|---|---|---|
| QTS Limited | Health and Safety Consultancy Health and Safety Statement 2011 | € 1,270.50 |
| QTS Ltd | Health & Safety Consultancy - Health and Safety Statement 2012 | € 1,270.50 |
136. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Taoiseach
if he will supply a list of all Labour Court recommendations that have been issued in respect of his Department and organisations under his aegis that have not been complied with in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37760/12]
The Taoiseach:
No Labour Court recommendations have been issued but not complied with in respect of my Department or the National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO), which is the only agency under its aegis.
137. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Taoiseach
the position regarding recruiting persons with a disability; the number of persons currently employed in his Department; the number of persons with a disability that have been employed since 1 January 2011 to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37844/12]
The Taoiseach:
The Deputy will be aware that the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform has direct responsibility in Government for policy in relation to the employment of people with disabilities in the Civil Service. Obviously, opportunities for employment in the Public Service is limited by the recruitment and promotion moratorium which was announced on the 27th March 2009. The moratorium applies, with limited exceptions, to the civil service, local authorities, non-commercial state bodies, the Garda Síochána, the Permanent Defence Forces and to certain bodies established by enactment and wholly or partly funded out of the Central Fund. Arrangements have been modulated also regarding the education and health sectors.
138. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Taoiseach
the amount of money spent on an annual basis on education and training of staff in 2011 and to date in 2012; the number of staff that availed of each course; if he will provide a list of the courses staff undertook and the cost of each course per person. [38492/12]
The Taoiseach:
The performance of the Department is dependent on the knowledge, skills, competencies and commitment of its staff. Achieving improved performance through appropriate and relevant learning and training will continue to be an integral element of ensuring the Department achieves its strategic objectives. This is a key element of the Department's new HR Strategy for 2012-2014. Financial assistance for further or higher education is provided to staff under the Refund of Fees Scheme as set out under the Department of Finance’s Circular 23/07 (Post Entry Education – Refund of Fees, Study Leave and Examination Leave).
Education and Training 2011
The total cost of Education and Training in 2011 was €61,541. Financial assistance was provided for further education or higher education and training in 2011 as follows:
No. of staff | Course | Fees |
|---|---|---|
2 | Degree Courses in Counselling & Psychotherapy | 6,450 (average 3,225 per person) |
5 | Language Training | 3,959 (average 792 per person) |
1 | MSc in Economic Policy Studies | 10,085 |
1 | Diploma in Computer Studies | 2,990 |
1 | BA (Hons) Public Management | 2,820 |
1 | BSc (Hons) Information Systems | 5,779 |
1 | Diploma in Public Management | 2,820 |
1 | Diploma in Computer Studies (Project Mgmt Stream) | 2,995 |
1 | Certificate in HR | 2,100 |
1 | Internal Audit | 1,620 |
1 | Diploma in Project Management | 1,500 |
Seminars and Programmes | ||
2 | Health and Safety Training | 450 (average 225 per person) |
12 | IT | 10,753 (average 896 per person) |
2 | Policy Development | 800 (average 400 per person) |
2 | Civil Service Pensions Administration | 1,620 (average 810 per person) |
1 | Communications | 300 |
1 | Common Purpose Programme | 4,500 |
36 | €61,541 |
| No. of staff | Courses | Fee |
|---|---|---|
5 | Language Training | 3,170 (average 634 per person |
1 | Certificate Audit Skills | 4,800 |
1 | Diploma Health Economics | 1,990 |
1 | LLB Bachelor of Law | 2,155 |
2 | BA Public Mgmt | 5,640 average (2,820 per person) |
1 | Certificate HR Practice | 2,200 |
1 | Certificate Safety and Health in Work | 2,295 |
1 | BSc Information Systems | 5,780 |
1 | Professional Diploma in Official Statistics for Policy Evaluation | 1,450 |
Seminars and Programmes | ||
1 | Administration Law | 810 |
8 | Health and Safety | 435 (average of 54 per person |
8 | IT Training | 1,475 (average 184 per person) |
1 | Civil Service Pensions Administration | 810 |
1 | Policy Development | 796 |
| Total 33 | €33,806 |
139. Deputy Dominic Hannigan
asked the Taoiseach
if he will outline, in tabular form, both the number and the percentage of women and men on State boards under the aegis of his Department in each of the past ten years; if he will provide the most up-to-date figures available regarding the number and percentage of women and men on State boards under the aegis of his Department in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38864/12]
140. Deputy Anne Ferris
asked the Taoiseach
the steps he is taking to ensure that State boards have at least 40% of each gender, as provided for in the Programme for Government; the percentage at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39160/12]
The Taoiseach:
I propose to take Questions Nos. 139 and 140 together.
The National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO) is the only State Agency under the aegis of my Department. The NESDO was established on 1 January, 2007 under the NESDO Act 2006 and is the body corporate for the National Economic and Social Council (NESC). Details of the gender balance on the NESDO Board since its establishment date on 1 January 2007, are set out in the table below.
Date | Total Number of Members | Female Members | Male Members |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 January 2007 | 5 | 2 (40%) | 3 (60%) |
| 1 January 2008 | 5 | 2 (40%) | 3 (60%) |
| 1 January 2009 | 5 | 2 (40%) | 3 (60%) |
| 1 January 2010 | 5 | 2 (40%) | 3 (60%) |
| 1 January 2011 | 2 | 0 (0%) | 2 (100%) |
| 1 January 2012 | 2 | 0 (0%) | 2 (100%) |
| 18 September 2012 | 2 | 0 (0%) | 2 (100%) |
Date | Male | Female | Total | % Male | % Female |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current | 7 | 1 | 8 | 87.5% | 12.5% |
| 1st July 2011 | 7 | 1 | 8 | 87.5% | 12.5% |
| 1st July 2010 | 7 | 1 | 8 | 87.5% | 12.5% |
| 1st July 2009 | 6 | 2 | 8 | 75.0% | 25.0% |
| 1st July 2008 | 6 | 2 | 8 | 75.0% | 25.0% |
| 1st July 2007 | 6 | 2 | 8 | 75.0% | 25.0% |
| 1st July 2006 | 5 | 3 | 8 | 62.5% | 37.5% |
| 1st July 2005 | 5 | 3 | 8 | 62.5% | 37.5% |
| 1st July 2004 | 5 | 3 | 8 | 62.5% | 37.5% |
| 1st July 2003 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 50.0% | 50.0% |
| 1st July 2002 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 50.0% | 50.0% |
Total Membership | Female Membership | Male Membership |
|---|---|---|
34 | 10 (29% of the Council) | 24 (71% of the Council) |
Number of Taoiseach's appointments since 9 March, 2011 | Number of females appointed by the Taoiseach since 9 March, 2011 | Number of males appointed by the Taoiseach since 9 March, 2011 |
14 | 4 (29% of the Council) | 10 (71% of the Council) |
Total Membership | Female Membership | Males Membership |
|---|---|---|
2 | 0 (0% of the NESDO Board) | 2 (100% of the NESDO Board) |
Number of Taoiseach's appointments since 9 March, 2011 | Number of females appointed by the Taoiseach since 9 March, 2011 | Number of males appointed by the Taoiseach since 9 March, 2011 |
2 | 0 (0% of the NESDO Board) | 2 (100% of the NESDO Board) |
Question No. 141 answered with Question No. 113.
144. Deputy Terence Flanagan
asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
the action he will take to ensure justice for the family of Michaela McAreavey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36941/12]
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore):
I am very conscious of the terrible ordeal that this family has suffered in the aftermath of Michaela’s murder, through the long period of waiting for the trial, and then the trial itself which had been expected to last 2 weeks but in fact went on for nearly 8 weeks. Throughout this dreadful period both the McAreavey and Harte families have borne their terrible grief with great dignity. Throughout their ordeal the family received every consular assistance required, both from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and from our Embassy in South Africa which is also accredited to Mauritius.
145. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
his views on a matter (details supplied) [37915/12]
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore):
I am aware of the situation concerning the person referred to by the Deputy. As the person referred to is not an Irish citizen, it is not possible for my Department to offer him consular assistance. The Greek authorities are under no legal obligation to assist our Embassy with any requests made in connection with this investigation, as we have no locus standi in the matter. Embassies have certain rights of communication and contact with their citizens to facilitate the exercise of our consular functions under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (1963). Embassies have no such rights for other persons, even if they are related to those citizens.
As previously advised, this Department and the Embassy in Athens stand ready to authenticate any documents which would assist the case of the person in question if they are in a form suitable for authentication. I am aware that the case is under appeal before the courts in Greece at present. In regard to other documents or records, including passport stamps and airline records, the person’s lawyers are best placed to advise on how such documents or records might be entered into evidence at any appeal. If such documents or records are held by Irish authorities or other entities, there are legal procedures which may assist in their retrieval but this Department has no role in that regard.
146. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan
asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
if, in view of new evidence, he will ensure that the current partial reopening of the investigation into the downing of the Air France Caravelle F-BOHB plane on 11 September 1968, while en route from Corsica to Nice with Irishman Arthur O'Connor on board, is fully re-opened and any tribunal investigating the affair is independent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37039/12]
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore):
I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to the O’Connor family on the loss of their father, Mr. Arthur O’Connor, in the tragic crash of the Air France Caravelle F-BOHB plane on 11 September 1968. At the time, the causes of this crash were examined by the appropriate authorities. Reports on the case were made public, including the final report of the Commission of Investigation which was issued on the 14th December 1972. Recently, a police enquiry into certain aspects of the investigation of this crash has been initiated by the Prosecutor’s office in Nice. The Embassy in Paris has been in contact with the Prosecutor’s Office and has asked the authorities to keep it abreast of developments.
147. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Gerardo Hernandez, a Cuban national and one of the Miami Five imprisoned in the United States has been prevented from meeting with his legal advisor and his consular advisors in the lead up to his final appeal, if he will take immediate action to hold the USA to account for the violation of the few legal rights remaining to him. [37040/12]
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore):
I am aware of the case to which the Deputy refers. As I have made clear in previous replies, the Government has no standing in this matter, which is a bilateral consular question between the US and the Cuban authorities and, consequently, I do not intend to pursue this matter with the US administration.
148. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
the number of agencies, authorities, boards, committees, working groups, tribunals, council services, task forces, agencies or other quangos set up by his Department since February 2011; the number abolished since then; the extra cost of quangos which were established; the savings from the abolition of quangos; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37246/12]
149. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
the estimated cost of each quango in his Department; the amount expected to be saved from the mergers of quangos in his Department; the basis for this figure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37262/12]
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 148 and 149 together.
150. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
the number of new jobs created by his Department as a result of the jobs initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37278/12]
151. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
the number of new jobs created by his Department as a result of the action plan on jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37294/12]
152. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
the number of new jobs created by his Department as a result of Budget 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37310/12]
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 150 to 152, inclusive, together.
My Department is committed to supporting trade, tourism and investment as fundamental elements of ensuring future export led growth and contributing to job creation in Ireland. A core high level goal of the current strategy of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to 2014 is to promote Ireland’s economic interests in Europe and internationally. My Department works closely with all the other relevant Departments and State Agencies with an interest in promoting Ireland overseas to achieve this goal.
The Programme for Government set protecting and creating jobs as a key objective and, to that end, the Government established a dedicated Department, the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, to take this work forward. It is, of course, a task shared across Government, including the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. As envisaged in the Action Plan for Jobs and the Strategy for Trade, Tourism and Investment, I have made clear that it is a priority task for every part of our Embassy network to work closely with the State Agencies in identifying new opportunities and supporting trade and investment promotion in their countries of accreditation, as well as in establishing coordinated market plans of activity under the Government’s trade strategy.
Local Market Teams chaired by the relevant Ambassador and comprising representatives of the locally based State Agencies have been established in all of the priority markets identified under the Trade Strategy. These teams execute detailed market plans which aim to optimise the overall resources of Embassies and Agencies to deliver ambitious targets. Progress on implementing our Trade Strategy by these Local Market Teams is monitored by the Export Trade Council, which I established and which I chair and which will have its third meeting on 20 September.
Since becoming Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, I have also been active in promoting opportunities for Irish companies overseas, both through targeted trade missions organised by Enterprise Ireland and in the course of broader working visits abroad. The Action Plan for Jobs set a target of 12 trade missions each year. I am pleased to say that, in addition to the Saint Patrick’s Day ministerial programme which in many cases included trade focussed events, so far this year 10 Enterprise Ireland-led trade missions have taken place, supported in each case by our Embassy network, and a further 8 are scheduled to take place between now and the end of the year.
As outlined in the Action Plan for Jobs, the Government has repeatedly stated its belief that our Diaspora can make a meaningful contribution to Ireland’s economic recovery. The Global Irish Network, which is managed by my Department, is a central element of the Government’s engagement with the Diaspora in support of our economic goals. Following the Global Irish Economic Forum in October 2011, Network members and the wider Diaspora have been working with my Department, our Embassy network and our State Agencies on a number of initiatives in support of our job creation goals, including: the development by Enterprise Ireland and my Department of the Global Irish Contacts Programme, several events aimed at highlighting Ireland as a premier FDI location – for example, the Invest in Ireland Roundtable in New York with President Clinton in February 2012 and the “Invest in Ireland Forum” with Coca Cola to coincide with the Notre Dame v Navy football game in late August - as well as significant support for The Gathering, and the Succeed in Ireland initiative.
The Government has also formalised the involvement of Global Irish Network members in trade missions and the Export Trade Council has requested Embassies and Local Market Teams to consider, where appropriate, the involvement of GIN members when planning and organising activities in their respective regions. In addition to the formal projects undertaken by the Global Irish Networks, our overseas communities, business organisations and Chambers of Commerce continue to work with our Embassy network and State Agencies to promote Ireland and to assist Irish companies seeking to break into new markets.
153. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
the total amount spent on taxis by his Department since February 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37326/12]
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore):
My Department is responsible for two Votes: Vote 28 Foreign Affairs and Trade; and Vote 27 International Cooperation. The amount expended by my Department on official taxi fares under both Votes since 1 February 2011 to date is set out below in tabular form.
| Period | Vote 28 (€000) | Vote 27 (€000) |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 2011 – 31st Dec 2011 | 179 | 40 |
| 2012 to date | 116 | 21 |
154. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
the number of press officers in his Department; the number of press officers in each agency under his auspices; the total cost of press officers in his Department and in agencies under his auspices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37342/12]
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore):
There are two designated Press Officers in my Department, one generally responsible for matters relating to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the other for matters relating to Irish Aid. The details requested by the Deputy are set out in the accompanying table:
Number/Grade | Applicable salary scale | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| 1 First Secretary | €67,913 - €84,296 | 28 (Foreign Affairs and Trade) |
| 1 Assistant Principal | €71,359 - €88,598 | 27 (Irish Aid) |
155. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
the total number of board appointees he has made since he came to office; the names, salaries and expenses of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37358/12]
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore):
There are no boards under the aegis of my Department.
156. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
if he will detail, in tabular form, the total photography costs for his Department since coming to office inclusive of costs incurred from use of the Ministerial allowance; the occasions for which photographers were booked; the photographers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion that a photographer was used; if there is a policy regarding the booking of photographers within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37374/12]
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore):
The total spend by my Department on photography since March 2011 is €77,411.73. The table below outlines the costs associated with each occasion.State Visit of Queen Elizabeth II €22,662.70 Diplomatic Credentials Ceremonies €12,952.30 Official Visits by Chinese Vice President €7,321.58 Expenditure of missions abroad* €7,418.12 State Visit of Prince Albert of Monaco €6,213.35 Official Visit to Mozambique, Malawi & Tanzania €2,388.30 Official Visit by the King & Queen of Lesotho €2,208.34 Diplomatic Corps New Years Greetings €2,015.97 Global Irish Economic Forum €1,923.90 Inauguration of President Higgins €1,817.30 OSCE Conf.- Lessons learned from NI Peace Process €1,479.35 Launch of Our World Awards, Dublin & Limerick €1,268.05 Africa Ireland Economic Forum €1,220.59 Science for Development Award at BT Young Scientist €711.71 Launch of Commemoration Lecture Series €658.82 Official visit to Kenya €606.40 Official Visit by Indian Minister €599.75 Launch of the 2010 Irish Aid annual report €569.00 Launch of EU Presidency Logo €560.84 Launch of Africa Day 2011 - Dublin €526.35 Official Farewell for the British Ambassador €524.84 OSCE 5+2 Conference €417.76 Official Visit by US Congressional Delegation €388.62 Launch of Certificate of Irish Heritage €296.23 Irish Aid Trade and Development Conf. €282.41 Irish Aid Int'l Conf. on Agriculture €164.60 Irish Aid Fellowship Annual Meeting €119.55 Official Visit to Korea/ Japan €95.00 TOTAL €77,411.73
*It was not possible in the time available to provide a detailed breakdown.
My Department only utilises the services of official photographic agencies where it is warranted, in particular, for major events and State occasions. This is a service which my Department provides so that the media can easily and freely avail of photography for important events where their own staff photographers cannot be fully accommodated. As the table indicates there were a significant number of such events in 2011. In September 2011, my Department led a collaborative advertised tender process for the procurement of a multi-supplier competitive framework of photographic service providers. This is now available for use by all Government Departments. Details of the new framework arrangements are posted on the National Procurement Service website: www.procurement.ie/suppliers/contracts/1298 . The purpose of this framework is to ensure Departments’ compliance with EU procurement rules and to ensure value for money by having a competitive process for photographic assignments.
157. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
if he will detail in tabular form, the total cost of providing entertainment for his Department since coming to office inclusive of costs incurred from use of the Ministerial allowance; the occasions for which entertainment was provided; the entertainers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion; if there is a policy regarding the booking of entertainers within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37446/12]
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore):
Since February 2011, a total of €29,179 has been spent by my Department in providing entertainment at a small number of events. Details are contained in the table below. The performance of Riverdance during the visit to Ireland by China’s Vice-Premier was part of a cultural programme requested by the Chinese Embassy. The Riverdance show has toured widely in China and has strong cultural resonance.
Entertainment was provided at a number of events relating to Ireland’s Chairmanship-in-Office of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) for 2012. The OSCE is an intergovernmental regional security organisation comprising 56 States from Europe, Central Asia and North America. Ireland assumed the Chairmanship for the first time on 1 January 2012 for one calendar year.
As Chair, Ireland is required to host and contribute to a number of conferences and events throughout the year. As well as providing valuable opportunities to promote tourism and trade, these events offer a chance to showcase Irish music, arts and culture. In this regard, four Irish musicians were invited to perform at a cultural event marking the opening of Ireland’s OSCE Chairmanship, at a total cost of €4,270.00. The ‘Damhsa’ Irish dancing troupe was contracted to perform at an OSCE Charity Ball in March 2011 at a total cost of €4,059.00. Two harpists were invited to perform for participants in two smaller OSCE events hosted in Dublin in February and April of this year at a total cost of €350.00.
Event | Name of Entertainer | Cost | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
F.ounders Dinner, hosted by the Tánaiste, Dublin Castle | Ann Jones (harpist) | €250 | October 2011 |
Global Irish Economic Forum, Dublin Castle | Ann Jones (harpist) | €250 | October 2011 |
Cultural event, official opening of Ireland’s OSCE Chairmanship | Sharon Carty, Denis O’Sullivan, Aifric Boylan, Ciaran O’Grady | €4,270 | January 2012 |
‘5+2’ talks on the Transdniestrian settlement process | Emer Kenny | €175 | February 2012 |
OSCE Charity Ball | Damhsa Limited | €4,059 | March 2012 |
OSCE Chairmanship Conference, ‘Shared Future: Building and Sustaining Peace, the Northern Ireland Case Study’ | Teresa O’Donnell | €175 | April 2012 |
Visit of China’s Vice-President Xi Jinping | Riverdance (Abhann Productions Ltd) | €20,000 | February 2012 |
158. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
the amount spent on food and drink by his Department; if he will provide a breakdown of what this involved; the occasions on which food and drink was provided; those present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37462/12]
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore):
The Deputy will be aware that my Department, and its network of diplomatic missions abroad, carries out many functions on behalf of the State that require a budget for hospitality. In the time provided, it is not possible to provide a breakdown of every occasion. In 2011, my Department spent €501,120 on State and official entertainment. This covers the costs associated with State and Official Visits to Ireland by Heads of State or Government or other high-level visiting dignitaries, costs associated with Official or State Visits abroad by the President, certain costs associated with Official Visits abroad by the Taoiseach and miscellaneous expenditure associated with visits and events such as printing of invitations and the purchase of flags.
159. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
the amount spent on hair and make-up by his Department since he came to office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37478/12]
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore):
My Department has not incurred any expenditure on hair and make-up during the period in question.
160. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
the number and names of all special advisers, special press advisers, or any other type of Ministerial adviser in his Department; the name of the Minister / Minister of State to whom he reports; the salary of each advisor now; the salary of each advisor at the time they were appointed; if any salary increase was asked for; if this was granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37494/12]
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore):
The information requested by the Deputy is provided in the following table. The salary in each case is commensurate with the responsibilities of the post holder. No pay increases have been sought or awarded since the original appointments, with the exception of Ms Jean O’Mahony who received a salary increment on 10 March 2012 in line with Department of Public Expenditure and Reform guidelines relating to Special Advisers.
| Name | Position held | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Mark Garrett | Chief Adviser - Office of the Tánaiste | €168,000 |
| Colm O’Reardon | Economic Adviser - Office of the Tánaiste | €155,000 |
| Jean O’Mahony | Special Adviser - Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade | €83,337 |
| Stephen O’Shea | Special Adviser - Minister of State for European Affairs | €61,966 |
161. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
if he will provide detail in tabular form, the names of all external public relations and consultancy persons and organisations used by his Department for the years 2011 and 2010; the amount paid to each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37510/12]
164. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
if he will detail in tabular form, the amount paid on external public relations and communications consultants since February 2011; the reason for the payment; the name of each organisation used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37543/12]
165. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
if he will detail in tabular form, the amount paid to consultants since February 2011; the name of each organisation used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37559/12]
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 161, 164 and 165 together.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is responsible for two Votes – Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs) and Vote 27 (International Cooperation).I am very conscious of the need to achieve value for money on all consultant expenditure and commissioning of such work is in full compliance with national and EU procurement regulations.
My Department did not incur expenditure on external public relations and communications services during the period from 2010 – to date. From time to time, consultants or companies with a public relations and communications background are commissioned to provide other professional services such as project management, logistics and event management.
In the period in question, my Department has commissioned a small number of consultancies to provide specialist ICT and accounting support.
In addition, my Department, through Irish Aid (Ireland’s official development assistance programme), occasionally commissions outside expertise where the effective management, evaluation and review of the programme necessitates the use of such skills. Elements of the aid programme are highly technical such as the areas of HIV/AIDS, communicable diseases, nutrition, agriculture and others. It is essential if the aid programme is to remain at the cutting edge of development science that it utilises outside expertise from time to time for quality assurance and to provide access to the latest knowledge. Utilising external expertise on a temporary basis can also provide excellent value for money as the skills involved are only utilised on a needs rather than full-time basis.
Consultants are engaged only where specialised knowledge and skills are not available within the Department and where independent appraisal, audit, monitoring and evaluation of programmes and projects are required.Decisions on the need to commission outside expertise are subject to the establishment of appropriate business cases and an approvals process carried out by the Irish Aid Senior Management Group. National and international regulations are fully complied with in subsequent tendering processes.The level of expenditure on consultancy services is constantly monitored to ensure that it does not exceed the level required for the proper management, oversight, monitoring, evaluation and audit of the aid programme.
A table detailing expenditure on consultancy services under both Votes since February 2011 is provided here:
Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs)
| Consultants February 2011 – Sept 2012 | Amount Paid |
|---|---|
| ISAS | €4,898.08 |
| RITS | €18,630.52 |
| TONY TAAFFE | €3,850.00 |
| CONSULTANTS FEBRUARY 2011 – SEPTEMBER 2012 | Amount Paid |
|---|---|
| 80:20CONSULTANTS | €9,870 |
| ACTRAADVISERS LIMITED | €21,811 |
| ADRIENNE BOYLE | €5,000 |
| AISLING SWAINE CONSULTANCY LTD | €8,702 |
| AODH O CONNOR | €3,797 |
| BERNARD MCLOUGHLIN | €9,787 |
| BERNARD WOOD + ASSOCIATES LTD | €9,873 |
| BERNIE CRAWFORD | €3,572 |
| CAROLINE BURKE | €3,000 |
| CATHERINE SARAH JONES | €29,820 |
| CATHY DORAN | €8,586 |
| CATHY GAYNOR | €31,265 |
| CATHY ROCHE | €9,300 |
| CHANNEL RESEARCH | €27,103 |
| CHARLES LATHROP | €9,629 |
| MARY Mc KEOWN | €5,900 |
| CR2 SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT LTD | €2,495 |
| DEIRDRE FARRELL | €9,200 |
| DR MARGARET FITZGERALD | €8,032 |
| EAMONN O'REILLY | €7,500 |
| ECONOMIC + SOCIAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE | €54,007 |
| EILIS MURRAY | €7,968 |
| EMMA WARWICK | €5,400 |
| EVERYWHERE HUMANITARIAN & LOGISTICS SERVICE LTD | €40,583 |
| FITZPATRICK ASSOCIATES | €95,109 |
| FRED TOTTENHAM | €10,256 |
| GERAGHTY CONSULTING | €6,793 |
| GERALD CAWLEY | €4,015 |
| GRACE KELLY HARTNETT | €16,710 |
| HUMANITARIAN POLICY LTD | €33,930 |
| HUNTER MCGILL | €11,840 |
| INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION DEVELOPMENT | €420,572 |
| INTRAC CONSULTANTS | €12,962 |
| ISOS PARTNERSHIP (UK) LLP | €42,247 |
| ITAD LTD | €93,871 |
| JAMES BURKE | €1,278 |
| JAMES SAUNDERSON | €5,400 |
| JIM CANNON | €9,773 |
| JIM KIELY | €7,950 |
| JIM KINSELLA | €8,565 |
| JOHN O'REGAN | €37,271 |
| KEVIN FARRELL | €24,331 |
| KEVIN MOORE | €17,862 |
| LIZZIE DOWNES | €3,174 |
| LUIS ENRIQUE BRAN REYES | €6,573 |
| MALAQUAIS LOPEZ CERVANTES | €32,920 |
| MARCEL GROGAN | €70,650 |
| MARIE SMITH | €9,146 |
| MARIE T FANNING | €18,696 |
| MARK JEROME | €8,750 |
| MARTIN GREENE | €69,546 |
| MARY BRADY | €38,480 |
| MARY BUCKLEY | €3,020 |
| MARY CORBETT | €51,649 |
| MARY JENNINGS | €2,748 |
| MATTHIAS FIEDLER | €5,387 |
| MAZARS | €15,753 |
| MELLA CUSACK | €4,121 |
| MIKE WILLIAMS | €39,378 |
| MOKORO LTD | €218,515 |
| MORINA O'NEILL | €1,720 |
| NIALL ROCHE | €2,250 |
| NOGUGUMAFU | €8,800 |
| PAT MCMULLIN | €15,382 |
| PATRICA HUNT | €5,109 |
| PATRICK D. MURPHY | €9,064 |
| PAUL ISENMAN | €5,294 |
| PAUL SHEANE | €9,965 |
| PETER MCEVOY | €15,084 |
| PHILIP REGAN | €5,208 |
| PROF HELEN O'NEILL | €6,457 |
| RACHEL KAVANAGH | €2,800 |
| RODNEY RICE | €18,756 |
| RONAN TIERNEY | €27,817 |
| RUTH O' DOHERTY | €13,176 |
| SAMIA SAAD | €9,198 |
| STEFANIE MEREDITH | €10,000 |
| THE POLICY PRACTICE LTD | €32,189 |
| TONY TAAFFE | €10,400 |
| VALID INTERNATIONAL LTD. | €52,260 |
162. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
if he will support a matter (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [37518/12]
170. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
the position regarding a passport refusal in respect of a person (details supplied) ion Dublin 9. [37731/12]
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 162 and 170 together.
163. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
the gross annual salary costs for his private and constituency offices at present; the same figures for this time last year; and the same figures for any Ministers of State in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37527/12]
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore):
Details of the annualised salary costs of my private and constituency offices and those of the Ministers of State in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in September 2011 and September 2012 are set out in the following tables. The variations arose due to the payment of salary scale increments or because of approved minor adjustments in staffing levels.
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr Eamon Gilmore TD | ||
|---|---|---|
| Gross Annual Salary Costs September 2011 | Gross Annual Salary Costs September 2012 | |
| Office of the Tánaiste | €379,060 | €379,060 |
| Private Office – Foreign Affairs and Trade | €348,698 | €357,782 |
| Constituency Office | €132,963 | €134,791 |
Minister of State for Trade and Development | ||
|---|---|---|
| Ms Jan O’Sullivan TD | Mr Joe Costello TD | |
| Gross Annual Salary Costs September 2011 | Gross Annual Salary Costs September 2012 | |
| Private Office | €221,339 | €186,455 |
| Constituency Office | €131,914 | €118,236 |
Minister of State for European Affairs, Ms Lucinda Creighton, TD | ||
|---|---|---|
| Gross Annual Salary Costs September 2011 | Gross Annual Salary Costs September 2012 | |
| Private Office | €145,909 | €181,951 |
| Constituency Office | €103,255 | €106,756 |
Questions Nos. 164 and 165 answered with Question No. 161.
166. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
the political activities of each special adviser, special press advisers, or any other type of Ministerial adviser in his Department; if any of them were members of a political party; if so the parties to which they belonged; if any of them are or have been elected local authority members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37575/12]
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore):
Special Advisers are appointed under the terms of Section 11 of the Public Service Management Act, 1997 and are required to perform any duties that may be assigned to them from time-to-time by the relevant Minister as appropriate to the position held. Those duties include providing advice as well as monitoring, facilitating and assisting in the delivery of Government objectives relevant to the Minister’s Department. The Ethics in Public Office Act 1995, the Standards in Public Office Act 2001 and the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour apply to the post-holders. The restrictions under the terms of the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour on civil servants engaging in political activity do not apply to Special Advisers and they may engage in political activity or join political parties if they wish. These are not matters for which Special Advisers are accountable to Ministers under their contracts of employment.
167. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
the amount spent by his Department on drivers and Ministerial transport since February 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37591/12]
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore):
The following table provides the details of costs for drivers and ground transport for Ministers of State at my Department for the period in question. The sum includes severance payments that arose due to the change in Government in 2011. My Department currently employs two Civilian Drivers.
Ministerial transport costs, 1 February 2011 to September 2012 | € |
|---|---|
| Driver salaries, including PRSI | 190,343 |
| Driver severance and redundancy payments | 42,447 |
| Driver subsistence | 13,876 |
| Mileage payments to Ministers of State | 23,250 |
Total | 269,917 |
168. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
the total amount spent since February 2011 on external reports commissioned by his Department, including payments from Ministerial allowances, details of the consultants employed and costs of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37623/12]
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore):
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is responsible for two Votes – Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs) and Vote 27 (International Cooperation). The following table sets out the details of external reports commissioned under Vote 27 since February 2011 and the costs in each case. No external reports were commissioned under Vote 28. The table has been prepared by reference to directly contracted engagements in respect of which professional fees were paid and Professional Services Withholding Tax (PSWT) was deducted, where appropriate. The Department is very conscious of the need to achieve value for money and is in full compliance with national and EU procurement regulations concerning tendering requirements.
The Department commissions external expertise where highly specialised skills are not available within the Department and, particularly in the case of Irish Aid, where ongoing independent evaluation of programmes and projects is required. During the course of their engagements these consultants/experts may prepare reports and other documentation. In-depth analysis of issues by external experts has informed - and continues to inform - my Department’s policies, allowing for more targeted use of resources and greater accountability in the allocation of budgets. I consider that these reports have been necessary, strategically beneficial and cost-effective.
External Reports commissioned under Vote 27 (International Cooperation)
Year | Experts/Consultants | Matter Reported On | Cost (€) |
|---|---|---|---|
2011 | Kevin Moore | Support to the Governments of Zambia and South Africa to develop Special Economic Zones for the promotion of inward investment and employment | €13,581 |
2011 | Paul Sheane | Support to the Governments of Zambia and South Africa to develop Special Economic Zones for the promotion of inward investment and employment | €9,965 |
2011 | Stefanie Meredith | Review of Irish Aid Support for Product Development Partnerships in developing countries. | €10,100 |
2011 | Samia Saad | Review of Irish Aid Support for Product Development Partnerships in developing countries. | €9,198 |
2011 | Paud Murphy | Development Education Reviews - to examine the current funding support and engagement in each of the priority areas identified in the Development Education strategy (primary, post primary, third level, adult, community and youth work). | €9,064 |
2011 | 80:20 | Development Education Reviews - to examine the current funding support and engagement in each of the priority areas identified in the Development Education strategy (primary, post primary, third level, adult, community and youth work). | €9,870 |
2011 | Eilis Murray | Development Education Reviews - to examine the current funding support and engagement in each of the priority areas identified in the Development Education strategy (primary, post primary, third level, adult, community and youth work). | €6,068 |
2011 | ISOS | Development Education Reviews - to examine the current funding support and engagement in each of the priority areas identified in the Development Education strategy (primary, post primary, third level, adult, community and youth work). | €42,247 |
2011 | Bernard McLoughlin | Review of the Irish Aid Centre, Dublin | €6,143 |
2011 | Cathal Higgins | Preparation of a report on the programme of education sector budget support towards school infrastructural development in Karamoja region and skills development in the oil sector (Uganda) | €5,000 |
2011 | Nata Duvvury, NUI Galway | First draft of Ireland’s National Action Plan on UNSCR 1325 | €16,106 |
2011 | Rodney Rice | Scoping Irish Aid existing and potential for support for media development to improve governance and transparency in key African countries. | €18,756 |
2012 | Humanitarian Policy Ltd | Review of Security Policy & Practice among Irish Aid Humanitarian Partners | €33,930 |
2012 | Channel Research | Review of the Irish Aid Rapid Response Initiative | €2,033 |
2012 | Mike Williams | Review of Humanitarian Programme Plan for Irish Aid | €18,742 |
2012 | Cathy Roche | Review of the Our World Awards 2005-2011 | €6,300 |
2012 | Everywhere Consulting | Feasibility Study on the Establishment of a Humanitarian Hub at Shannon Airport | €40,584 |
169. Deputy Clare Daly
asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
if he has made any inquiries in relation to the murder of New Zealand - Irish photojournalist Trent Keegan in Nairobi in 2008; and if his attention has been drawn to the allegations that have been made that the murder was linked to a story that he was investigating at the time. [37692/12]
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore):
Notwithstanding his connections with Ireland, Mr. Trent Keegan was a citizen of New Zealand travelling on a New Zealand passport. While I am aware that the circumstances of Mr. Keegan’s death in Kenya remain unresolved, Ireland has no consular role or standing in this matter. I understand that the Honorary Consul of New Zealand has provided consular assistance to Mr. Keegan’s family.
Question No. 170 answered with Question No. 162.
171. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
if he will supply a list of all Labour Court recommendations that have been issued in respect of his Department and organisations under his aegis that have not been complied with in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37754/12]
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore):
There are no outstanding Labour Court recommendations relating to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. There are no State agencies under the Department’s aegis.
172. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
when a new passport will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37797/12]
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore):
A passport was issued to the person in question on 14 August, 2012. This was delivered to him by An Post on the next day.
173. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
the position regarding recruiting persons with a disability; the number of persons currently employed in his Department; the number of persons with a disability that have been employed since 1 January 2011 to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37838/12]
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore):
Although the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has its own recruitment licence issued by the Commission on Public Service Appointments, most recruitment to the Department is handled centrally by the Public Appointments Service using open competitions. The Deputy will appreciate that the number of new recruits to the Department in 2011 and 2012 to-date has been negligible. No officer with a disability was recruited during that time. The Department carefully monitors its staffing complement to ensure that it exceeds the Government target of 3% of staff with a disability, which is applicable across the Public Service. The position is reviewed annually on the basis of self-declaration, in line with Department of Public Expenditure and Reform guidelines. The review conducted in December 2011 indicated that 52 of the Department’s staff had a disability, representing some 3.7%.
174. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan
asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
the amount spent in relation to foreign embarrasies (details supplied) in 2010 and 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37924/12]
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore):
My Department operates a network that includes 56 Embassies, 7 multilateral Missions and 10 Consulates General and other offices overseas. In addition to their country of primary accreditation, many Ambassadors are also accredited to additional countries on a non-resident basis. Ireland’s missions abroad perform a wide range of functions in pursuit of Ireland’s foreign policy interests. These include representing and advancing government policies with other States and in international organisations, in particular the EU and the UN; economic and cultural promotion; frontline consular and passport services to Irish citizens overseas; engaging with Irish communities and harnessing the resource they offer in assisting economic recovery; and programme management, particularly in Irish Aid priority countries.
The annual costs as set out in the following table for 2010 and 2011 are the administrative costs of operating the overseas Missions under the two Votes of my Department – Vote 27 (International Cooperation) and Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs). The figures do not include the salaries of the Irish based staff as these are a charge on the overall salaries budget of the Department rather than on a specific Mission. The budgets of missions that manage significant programmes on behalf of Irish Aid (Vote 27) reflect the additional management and oversight required for the effective implementation of those important programmes.
Mission Expenditure 2010 & 2011
| Mission | 2010 | 2011 |
|---|---|---|
| ABU DHABI | 545,048 | 385,694 |
| ABUJA | 278,241 | 252,983 |
| ADDIS ABABA | 1,377,121 | 1,210,495 |
| ANKARA | 394,114 | 379,651 |
| ATHENS | 489,042 | 471,858 |
| ATLANTA - CONSULATE | 35,380 | 132,798 |
| BEIJING | 728,852 | 720,028 |
| BERLIN | 907,409 | 926,903 |
| BERNE | 429,447 | 499,593 |
| BOSTON | 377,114 | 359,624 |
| BRASILIA | 554,554 | 529,305 |
| BRATISLAVA | 358,004 | 356,754 |
| BRUSSELS (EMBASSY) | 564,559 | 533,158 |
| BRUSSELS (P.F.P.) | 251,942 | 266,504 |
| BRUSSELS (PR-EU) | 3,322,071 | 3,358,265 |
| BUCHAREST | 433,408 | 472,071 |
| BUDAPEST | 453,678 | 486,420 |
| BUENOS AIRES | 438,541 | 415,840 |
| CAIRO | 382,190 | 423,531 |
| CANBERRA | 760,935 | 746,570 |
| CHICAGO | 345,200 | 341,645 |
| COPENHAGEN | 400,517 | 383,102 |
| DAR-ES-SALAAM | 1,469,025 | 1,484,699 |
| DILI | 376,513 | 352,102 |
| EDINBURGH | 229,941 | 198,844 |
| FREETOWN | 384,925 | 490,561 |
| GENEVA | 1,158,745 | 1,262,958 |
| HANOI | 911,489 | 1,107,770 |
| HELSINKI | 526,400 | 508,919 |
| HOLY SEE | 435,726 | 413,623 |
| KAMPALA | 1,773,989 | 1,397,728 |
| KUALA LUMPUR | 362,896 | 351,349 |
| LILONGWE | 1,106,494 | 1,017,499 |
| LISBON | 347,406 | 427,883 |
| LJUBLJANA | 421,396 | 400,385 |
| LONDON | 3,448,547 | 3,064,169 |
| LUSAKA | 1,637,032 | 1,626,605 |
| LUXEMBOURG | 687,546 | 387,042 |
| MADRID | 1,073,062 | 971,018 |
| MAPUTO | 1,797,011 | 1,722,414 |
| MASERU | 724,974 | 759,799 |
| MEXICO | 441,289 | 437,906 |
| MOSCOW | 758,895 | 731,157 |
| NEW DELHI | 743,338 | 668,436 |
| NEW YORK - C.G. | 1,798,093 | 1,669,443 |
| NEW YORK - PMUN | 1,773,546 | 1,956,879 |
| NICOSIA | 397,820 | 366,537 |
| OSCE - VIENNA | 482,715 | 406,167 |
| OSLO | 551,146 | 643,122 |
| OTTAWA | 555,300 | 561,303 |
| PARIS | 1,698,403 | 1,647,082 |
| PRAGUE | 566,321 | 570,991 |
| PRETORIA | 1,324,415 | 1,296,472 |
| RAMALLAH | 348,085 | 241,485 |
| RIGA | 341,547 | 183,604 |
| RIYADH | 344,037 | 325,653 |
| ROME | 1,187,410 | 1,146,284 |
| SAN FRANCISCO | 427,629 | 339,433 |
| SEOUL | 677,583 | 357,767 |
| SHANGHAI | 552,387 | 555,166 |
| SINGAPORE | 821,066 | 814,117 |
| SOFIA | 367,570 | 360,831 |
| STOCKHOLM | 474,031 | 614,346 |
| STRASBOURG | 415,027 | 409,611 |
| SYDNEY | 565,349 | 624,044 |
| TALLINN | 412,343 | 378,515 |
| TEHRAN | 449,698 | 321,704 |
| TEL AVIV | 585,185 | 548,468 |
| THE HAGUE | 741,184 | 652,113 |
| TOKYO | 1,581,230 | 2,284,440 |
| VALLETTA | 324,574 | 324,249 |
| VIENNA | 654,487 | 655,547 |
| VILNIUS | 426,413 | 414,957 |
| WARSAW | 782,993 | 737,398 |
| WASHINGTON DC | 1,236,780 | 1,072,065 |
175. Deputy Eoghan Murphy
asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
the position regarding the outcome of the recent Mexican presidential elections, following reports of vote-rigging, vote-buying and unfair media coverage during the campaign. [38030/12]
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore):
The Presidential election in Mexico took place on 1st July 2012. Enrique Peña Nieto, the candidate of the PRI - the Institutional Revolutionary Party - has been confirmed by the Mexican electoral authorities as the winner of the election and will take office on 1 December. Mexico’s legislative framework for elections is highly detailed and provides for independent and non-partisan electoral bodies and dispute mechanisms. Reforms in this area in recent years have strengthened further the framework and the transparency of the electoral process. Some 30,000 Mexican and 500 foreign observers were registered as observers for Election Day, including the officers of the Embassy of Ireland in Mexico City. The European Union and the Organisation of American States, amongst others, conducted specialist oversight of the election.
176. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
if he will provide the maximum support to the evolving peace process in Colombia. [38201/12]
177. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
if he will work closely with The Parliamentary Friends of Columbia Group in the British House of Commons on developing a peace process in Colombia. [38355/12]
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 176 and 177 together.
178. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
if he will provide an update on an Irish citizen (details supplied) detained in Sri Lanka. [38442/12]
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore):
As I confirmed to the Deputy in previous replies in relation to this Irish citizen, my officials remain in close and direct contact with the wife and family of the person mentioned by him and they liaise directly with her on any request for assistance or on any development on his case. The Ambassador and officers in the Embassy in New Delhi, which is accredited to Sri Lanka, have also been very active in pursuit of progress in this difficult case. I met with the wife, daughter and other family representatives of the person mentioned by the Deputy on 29 February 2012. The person’s wife and other family representatives also met with the Head of the Consular Division on 28 May 2012. As a result of these meetings I once again wrote to the Sri Lankan Minister of External Affairs on 18 June 2012, urging on behalf of the Government of Ireland, that the person mentioned by the Deputy, either be released or charged at the earliest opportunity. I also informed the Minister of External Affairs that I would like to personally meet with him in the margins of any international meeting at which we are both present, to discuss the case, should the opportunity arise. A response to my letter is awaited.
179. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
the amount of money spent on an annual basis on education and training of staff in 2011 and to date in 2012; the number of staff that availed of each course; if he will provide a list of the courses staff undertook and the cost of each course per person. [38486/12]
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore):
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade places a high priority on staff professional development and provides essential training programmes for staff in key areas such as management, communication and language skills, including Irish, and customer service. The Department also provides a comprehensive pre-posting training programme for officers in advance of taking up duty at Missions abroad. This includes modules on economic issues, trade promotion, public diplomacy and consular services. A contribution may also be made by the Department towards the cost of tuition fees incurred by staff members studying in their own time for certain qualifications relevant to the Department’s activities and objectives.
180. Deputy Dominic Hannigan
asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
if he will outline, in tabular form, both the number and the percentage of women and men on State boards under the aegis of his Department in each of the past ten years; if he will provide the most up-to-date figures available regarding the number and percentage of women and men on State boards under the aegis of his Department in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38858/12]
182. Deputy Anne Ferris
asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
the steps he is taking to ensure that State boards have at least 40% of each gender, as provided for in the Programme for Government; the percentage at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39154/12]
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 180 and 182 together.
There are no state boards and no state agencies operating under the aegis of my Department.
181. Deputy Terence Flanagan
asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
when he expects to reopen the embassy to the Holy See; the number of times Ireland's representative to the Vatican has met the with the Vatican since his appointment; the number of times he has stayed in Rome since his appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39136/12]
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore):
As I have stated consistently, the decision to close the resident Embassy to the Holy See will not be reversed in the immediate term. However, in the context of the budgetary situation, I will continue to review the deployment of our diplomatic resources overseas. Any discussions with the Holy See on arrangements whereby it might be possible to re-establish a resident Embassy at a future date are best conducted in confidence and I do not intend to comment further on the matter. Our Ambassador to the Holy See has maintained ongoing diplomatic contact with the Holy See and visits the Vatican regularly. He has had meetings there within the past week.
Question No. 182 answered with Question No. 180.
183. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan
asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
the reason the Rio Summit failed to consider private sector initiatives as part of environmental solutions, and if private sector initiatives will be considered and promoted as part of next year's Irish EU Presidency; the reason it was a feature of Rio+20 that EU countries were required to coordinate their preparations only through the ministries of the Environment and not alongside foreign ministries; his views that foreign ministries would have better linked the MDGs, Sustainable Development Goals and developing countries' environmental issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39281/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Joe Costello):
The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development which took place in Rio de Janeiro in June, marked the twentieth anniversary of the 1992 UN Conference on Environment and Development and the tenth anniversary of the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development. The goal of the Summit was to secure renewed international political commitment for sustainable development, with a focus on the promotion of a green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication. The Minister for the Environment took the lead in coordinating Ireland’s approach to the Summit, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade was also actively engaged in the national consultation process before the Summit and through Irish Aid remains closely involved in the follow up to Rio+20. In line with our priorities in international development, and Ireland’s strong focus on the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger, we ensured that effective responses to hunger and poor nutrition in developing countries were prioritised at the Rio meeting. The private sector was actively involved in the preparations of the Rio Summit and the Summit itself and its key role in achieving sustainable development is highlighted throughout the outcome document, “The Future We Want” which, inter alia, states that:
With regard to the follow up to the Rio Summit, Ireland is working closely with the European Commission, the European External Action Service, the Cypriot Presidency of the EU and other Member States and through the UN to ensure the outcomes of Rio such as the process to develop Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), are addressed in the context of the upcoming 2013 UN General Assembly Event on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in a coherent and integrated manner. In this context the Irish Presidency of the EU will be centrally engaged in agreeing a common EU position for the 2013 UN General Assembly Event on the MDGs and in seeking to develop an EU position on the Post-2015 development framework, taking into account both MDGs and SDGs.
“We acknowledge that the implementation of sustainable development will depend on the active engagement of both the public and the private sectors. We recognize that the active participation of the private sector can contribute to the achievement of sustainable development, including through the important tool of public-private partnerships ”
184. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
the names of special advisors for whom salary increases have been requested; the amount requested; the details of those granted increases and the amount by which they were increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40022/12]
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore):
No such salary increases have been requested or approved. Ms Jean O’Mahony received a salary increment of €3,286 on 10 March 2012 in line with Department of Public Expenditure and Reform guidelines relating to Special Advisers.
185. Deputy Michael Moynihan
asked the Minister for Finance
the role of NewEra in the sale of Aer Lingus; his liaisons with the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36986/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
As was announced on 22nd February 2012 consideration will be given to the sale of the State's remaining shareholding in Aer Lingus when market conditions are favourable and at an acceptable price to Government. NewERA are providing advice to the relevant Government Departments.
186. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Finance
the tax relief associated with revenue job assist; if this has changed since the budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37383/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
Sections 472A and 88A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provide tax incentives for both employers and employees, to help the long-term unemployed to return to employment. The relief under Section 472A, known as the Revenue Job Assist scheme, allows qualifying employees, in addition to their normal tax credits, to claim certain income deductions, including additional deductions for qualifying children, for the three year period after taking up employment. Section 88A provides an associated tax incentive for employers. Employers may claim a double deduction in computing the profits of the trade or profession in respect of the first 3 years’ wages paid to qualifying employees. This double deduction may also be claimed in respect of the employers’ PRSI contribution on such wages.
187. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Finance
the maximum relief for the business expansion scheme; if this has changed since the budget; if the conditions have changed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37384/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
Budget 2011 replaced the Business Expansion Scheme (BES) with the Employment and Investment Incentive (EII) subject to EU approval. That approval was received from the European Commission in November 2011. The new incentive is available in respect of investments made on or after 25 November 2011. EII (like BES) is a tax incentive that provides tax relief for investors who purchase new ordinary shares in small and medium companies carrying on a trade. The purpose of EII is to enable companies raise new capital to expand their activities. The scheme allows an individual investor to obtain income tax relief on investments up to a maximum of €150,000 per annum (unchanged from BES) in each tax year up to 2013. The main differences between EII and BES are as follows:
Unlike BES, which was limited to companies carrying on a restricted number of trades, EII applies to companies carrying on all types of trades— with a small number of exclusions, including managing hotels/guest houses/nursing homes, financing activities and dealing in or developing land.
188. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Finance
if he has investigated the likely effects of an increase in corporation tax on employment, the presence of multinational corporations, and any other macroeconomic effects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37391/12]
242. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Finance
the amount of extra revenue that will be generated if corporation tax rose from 12% to 15%. [38007/12]
276. Deputy Peter Mathews
asked the Minister for Finance
the amount of additional revenue that would be raised as a result of a tax increase (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38383/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 188, 242 and 276 together.
189. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Finance
if he will exempt from VAT service companies that export more than 90% of their output; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37392/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
Legal advice has indicated that proposals to exempt from VAT service companies that export more than 90% of their output are not in accordance with EU VAT law, with which Irish VAT law must comply.
190. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Finance
the measures he has implemented to improve competitiveness in relation to insurance costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37404/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
Pricing of insurance is generally determined by an assessment an insurer will make of the risks involved. Generally I understand that previous claims experience will have a major influence on such matters. Therefore, if there has been a major increase in claims in a particular area, as has happened with household insurance in the last few years, then this will be reflected in an increase in premiums.
184. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
the names of special advisors for whom salary increases have been requested; the amount requested; the details of those granted increases and the amount by which they were increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40022/12]
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore):
No such salary increases have been requested or approved. Ms Jean O’Mahony received a salary increment of €3,286 on 10 March 2012 in line with Department of Public Expenditure and Reform guidelines relating to Special Advisers.
185. Deputy Michael Moynihan
asked the Minister for Finance
the role of NewEra in the sale of Aer Lingus; his liaisons with the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36986/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
As was announced on 22nd February 2012 consideration will be given to the sale of the State's remaining shareholding in Aer Lingus when market conditions are favourable and at an acceptable price to Government. NewERA are providing advice to the relevant Government Departments.
186. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Finance
the tax relief associated with revenue job assist; if this has changed since the budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37383/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
Sections 472A and 88A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provide tax incentives for both employers and employees, to help the long-term unemployed to return to employment. The relief under Section 472A, known as the Revenue Job Assist scheme, allows qualifying employees, in addition to their normal tax credits, to claim certain income deductions, including additional deductions for qualifying children, for the three year period after taking up employment. Section 88A provides an associated tax incentive for employers. Employers may claim a double deduction in computing the profits of the trade or profession in respect of the first 3 years’ wages paid to qualifying employees. This double deduction may also be claimed in respect of the employers’ PRSI contribution on such wages.
187. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Finance
the maximum relief for the business expansion scheme; if this has changed since the budget; if the conditions have changed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37384/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
Budget 2011 replaced the Business Expansion Scheme (BES) with the Employment and Investment Incentive (EII) subject to EU approval. That approval was received from the European Commission in November 2011. The new incentive is available in respect of investments made on or after 25 November 2011. EII (like BES) is a tax incentive that provides tax relief for investors who purchase new ordinary shares in small and medium companies carrying on a trade. The purpose of EII is to enable companies raise new capital to expand their activities. The scheme allows an individual investor to obtain income tax relief on investments up to a maximum of €150,000 per annum (unchanged from BES) in each tax year up to 2013. The main differences between EII and BES are as follows: The maximum amount that may be raised by a company in any 12 months has increased from €1.5m to €2.5m; The lifetime amount that may be raised by a company has increased from €2m to €10m; The period for which shares are required to be held has been reduced from 5 years to 3 years; The maximum rate of tax relief for subscriptions for eligible shares has been reduced from 41% to 30%, in recognition of the reduced holding period; A further 11% of tax relief may be available at the end of the holding period provided the company concerned has increased its number of employees or its expenditure on research and development.
188. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Finance
if he has investigated the likely effects of an increase in corporation tax on employment, the presence of multinational corporations, and any other macroeconomic effects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37391/12]
242. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Finance
the amount of extra revenue that will be generated if corporation tax rose from 12% to 15%. [38007/12]
276. Deputy Peter Mathews
asked the Minister for Finance
the amount of additional revenue that would be raised as a result of a tax increase (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38383/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 188, 242 and 276 together.
189. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Finance
if he will exempt from VAT service companies that export more than 90% of their output; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37392/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
Legal advice has indicated that proposals to exempt from VAT service companies that export more than 90% of their output are not in accordance with EU VAT law, with which Irish VAT law must comply.
190. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Finance
the measures he has implemented to improve competitiveness in relation to insurance costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37404/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
Pricing of insurance is generally determined by an assessment an insurer will make of the risks involved. Generally I understand that previous claims experience will have a major influence on such matters. Therefore, if there has been a major increase in claims in a particular area, as has happened with household insurance in the last few years, then this will be reflected in an increase in premiums.
191. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Finance
his policy on tackling the hidden economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37428/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that their tax and duty compliance programmes are under constant review to ensure that they are focussed on the areas of greatest risk, including risks from the shadow economy. The hidden economy includes the suppression of sales, wages and income by registered businesses, fraudulent repayment claims, smuggling and trading in counterfeit and contraband goods, unregistered traders and individuals working and ‘signing’. It is a multifaceted issue that requires a co-ordinated and multifaceted response. Revenue tackles the problem of the shadow economy through its range of compliance and audit interventions including through targeted special projects. Case interventions are undertaken based on Revenue’s assessment of compliance risks, the level of those risks and other relevant information available. Revenue is using a wide range of methodologies to identify those operating in the shadow economy and is deploying the full range of compliance interventions. Activities can include covert surveillance, cold calls to businesses and venues as well as its audit and investigation programmes.
- The more effective investigation of white-collar crime.
192. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Finance
his policy on improving consumer confidence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37429/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
The Government considers that the best means to improve consumer confidence is to restore sustainability to the public finances, repair the banking system and improve competitiveness. Effectively addressing these three areas will result in increased employment, investment and consumer spending and will be key in driving this country forward. Looking more specifically at what the Government is doing to restore sustainability to the public finances, we have met all our fiscal targets to date and are on track to meet future targets under the Programme of External Financial Assistance. Furthermore, the Deputy will be aware that in the Medium-Term Fiscal Statement, the Government set out the required fiscal adjustment path over the medium term. This will provide Irish citizens with greater certainty regarding the magnitude of future budgetary adjustment measures and, in so doing, will help to improve confidence among households.
193. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Finance
in view of his commitment to increase the penalty for tobacco smuggling and provide robust protection measures to counteract such smuggling, so far this has not happened and the illegal tobacco problem here is growing, his plans to deal with this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37645/12]
232. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Finance
in view of the fforts being made trying to raise revenue and that the combined loss to the Irish Government in tobacco, excise and vat over the past two years has been 1 billion euros, his plans to tackle this massive loss; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37644/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 193 and 232 together.
194. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan
asked the Minister for Finance
the number of employees working for the National Asset Management Agency; the highest wage paid to a NAMA employee; the average wage for a NAMA employee; the recruitment process employed for new employees; if new positions are advertised for positions with NAMA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37923/12]
313. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan
asked the Minister for Finance
the number of persons working for the National Asset Management Agency; the number of different pay scales within the agency; the number of persons within each pay scale; if he will provide details on the recruitment process to which the agency adheres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38607/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 194 and 313 together.
195. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Finance
in view of the statistics and figures regarding the usage of illegal road diesel, the measures he intends introducing to stamp out this illegal activity which is costing the Exchequer hundreds of millions in lost revenue every year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37981/12]
350. Deputy Brendan Smith
asked the Minister for Finance
the proposals that he has to implement further measures to deal with diesel laundering and the resulting revenue loss to the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39349/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 195 and 350 together.
196. Deputy Paudie Coffey
asked the Minister for Finance
the number of persons who have applied for the seed capital scheme in 2011 and to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37995/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
The relevant information available is the number of applications approved for refund under the Seed Capital Scheme in each year. There were 86 applications approved in 2011 and 40 applications have been approved to-date in 2012.
197. Deputy Paudie Coffey
asked the Minister for Finance
the number of new start up businesses who have benefitted form the three year corporate tax exemption scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37996/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the most recent available information on the relief in question is for the year 2010 and is derived from corporation tax returns filed in respect of that year. The number of companies claiming the relief for 2010 was 855.
198. Deputy Paudie Coffey
asked the Minister for Finance
the number of small and medium enterprises that have benefitted from the research and development tax credit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37997/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the total number of enterprises benefiting from the research and development tax credit for 2010, the latest year available, was 1,172. I should highlight that this is a provisional figure. Unfortunately, as the granting of a research and development tax credit is not dependent on the size of the claimant company, there is no basis on which to provide a breakdown of beneficiaries of the tax credit by reference to company size.
199. Deputy Paudie Coffey
asked the Minister for Finance
if he will provide, in tabular form, the number of employees and employers, both nationally and in County Waterford, who have benefitted as a result of the taking a person one year out of work, double tax relief, scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38001/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
200. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Finance
his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38136/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
The Revenue Commissioners have primary responsibility for the prevention, detection, interception and seizure of controlled drugs intended to be smuggled or illegally imported into the State. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they place particular emphasis on developing their intelligence base through a strong risk analysis focus at national and regional level and by deploying their resources to areas of highest risk.
201. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Finance
his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding a fuel traders licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38375/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that from 1 October this year, anyone who sells or deals in, keeps for sale or delivery, or delivers marked gas oil or marked kerosene must hold a marked fuel trader’s licence in respect of each premises or place in which such mineral oil is sold or dealt in, or kept for sale or delivery. This licence will be issued by Revenue to successful applicants, and will expire on the 30th June next after the date on which it is issued. The licence fee is a flat rate excise duty of €250 imposed by Section 101(10) of the Finance Act 1999 (as amended), irrespective of whether it is for a full year or part of a year. This is the rate that has applied since 2001 to the licence required for traders who sell or deal in, keep for sale or delivery, or deliver auto-fuels.
202. Deputy Kevin Humphreys
asked the Minister for Finance
the number of properties in receipt of the heritage property relief that were open or closed during National Heritage week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38918/12]
330. Deputy Kevin Humphreys
asked the Minister for Finance
the number of taxpayers that have had to reimburse the State due to failure to comply with the heritage property relief conditions on an annual basis since 2005; the number of audits relating to use of the relief that have been performed on an annual basis since 2005; the amount of revenue raised from such audits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38919/12]
331. Deputy Kevin Humphreys
asked the Minister for Finance
the estimated cost on an annual basis since 2005 of the heritage property relief; the number of claims there has been on an annual basis since 2005 of this relief; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38920/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 202, 330 and 331 together.
The estimated cost on an annual basis, from 2005 to 2010 inclusive, of the income tax relief available under section 482 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 in respect of heritage properties, and the associated number of claims, are as follows.
| Year | Numbers | Cost €M |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 84 | 3.3 |
| 2006 | 180 | 6.2 |
| 2007 | 210 | 5 |
| 2008 | 290 | 5.9 |
| 2009 | 150 | 4.6 |
| 2010 | 140 | 3.9 |
203. Deputy Catherine Byrne
asked the Minister for Finance
if he will consult with the governor of the Central Bank of Ireland with a view to the banks capping the interest rate being charged by licensed money lenders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37029/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I mentioned in the House on 18 July 2012, at the conclusion of the debate on the Private Members' Bill on the issue of capping the interest rate charged by licensed moneylenders, that I would draw to the attention of the Governor of the Central Bank, the concerns and points raised during the debate. I have received a reply from the Governor in recent days and its contents are being examined. The Governor's response raises a number of significant issues which will require additional consultation between my Department and the Central Bank.
204. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Finance
the cost to the Exchequer to date of the Revenue job assist programme. [37031/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
The cost to the Exchequer of the Revenue Job Assist scheme in each year since inception in 1998/99 to 2010, the latest year for which the necessary detailed information is available, is as follows:
| Year | Cost €m |
|---|---|
| 1998/99 | 1.0 |
| 1999/00 | 2.7 |
| 2000/01 | 2.9 |
| 2001(short tax “year”) | 1.7 |
| 2002 | 0.9 |
| 2003 | 0.6 |
| 2004 | 0.4 |
| 2005 | 0.4 |
| 2006 | 0.3 |
| 2007 | 0.3 |
| 2008 | 0.2 |
| 2009 | 0.3 |
| 2010 | 0.5 |
205. Deputy Eoghan Murphy
asked the Minister for Finance
his role in the management of a deceased person's assets and finances when the deceased has not left a will and there are no living dependents. [37032/12]
208. Deputy Eoghan Murphy
asked the Minister for Finance
the estimated value of assets formerly belonging to persons who are now deceased and who did not leave any indication of any beneficiary nor any living relative. [37035/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 205 and 208 together.
206. Deputy Eoghan Murphy
asked the Minister for Finance
the estimated amount of money currently on deposit in financial institutions in the State formerly belonging to persons who are now deceased and who did not leave any indication of any beneficiary nor any living relatives known to the authorities. [37033/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I am advised by the National Treasury Management Agency - which is the manager of the Dormant Accounts Fund - that the balance of the Fund as at 31 August 2012 was €169,305,657. The Fund does not refer only to deposits of persons who are deceased. An account will be considered to be dormant if it has been 15 years since the last customer-initiated transaction. Under the Unclaimed Life Assurance Policies Act 2003, the net encashment value of certain life assurance policies are also transferred to the Fund where the holders of the policies in question cannot be traced. The NTMA is not in a position to determine how much of the balance in the Fund came from individuals who died intestate, or from accounts which have not been used for 15 years or more.
207. Deputy Eoghan Murphy
asked the Minister for Finance
the typical length of time that unclaimed money, owing to the death of a person who has no will and no known next of kin, may remain in an account before the State becomes involved and the longest period for which such an account has remained open following the death of the account holder. [37034/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
Section 73 of the Succession Act 1965 provides that where a person dies intestate and without known next-of-kin the estate of that person shall be taken by the State as ultimate intestate successor. Where an estate falls to the State under Section 73 it is administered by the Chief State Solicitor under the direction of the Attorney General. Depending on the extent and nature of the estate this process may involve the extraction of letters of administration from the High Court and advertising for next-of-kin. When it is established that there are no known next-of-kin the proceeds of the estate are paid into the Intestate Estates Fund Deposit Account.
Question No. 208 answered with Question No. 205.
209. Deputy Brendan Ryan
asked the Minister for Finance
if VAT is charged on crested and official primary school uniforms; if so, does this run contrary to the zero VAT rate on clothes labelled and marketed for children under 11 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37037/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
As you are aware, Ireland applies the zero rate of VAT to children’s clothing and shoes under defined circumstances. Where crested and official primary school uniforms meet the criteria of children’s clothing then they will be subject to the zero rate, if not then the standard VAT rate applies. There is no special VAT treatment of crested and official primary school uniforms distinct from the VAT treatment of children’s clothing. Specifically, the zero rate applies to the supply of children’s personal clothing of sizes that do not exceed the sizes of those articles appropriate to children of average build of 10 years of age, in accordance with paragraph 10(1) of Schedule 2 of the Value-Added Tax Consolidation Act 2010. The articles of clothing must be described, labeled, marked or marketed on the basis of age or size and fur or partly fur skin clothing is excluded. The criteria for clothing size used by the Revenue Commissioners for the purposes of the zero rating are that children’s clothing must be of sizes up to and including 32” chest or 26” waist. Where crested and official school uniforms meet these conditions then the zero rate will apply to their supply.
210. Deputy Arthur Spring
asked the Minister for Finance
the measures in place to protect clients of registered accountants when the accountant fails to provide sufficient information to the Revenue Commissioners despite the fact that the client provided all necessary information to the accountant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37038/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that, in the absence of specific details of the failure in question, it is only possible to reply in general terms to your query. At the outset, it is important to note that the Revenue Commissioners do not regulate accountants. Accordingly, where a taxpayer engages the services of an accountant in relation to taxation matters, that contractual relationship is a private one between the taxpayer and the accountant – the Revenue Commissioners are not involved.
211. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Finance
the number of agencies, authorities, boards, committee s, working groups, tribunals, council services, task forces, agencies or other quangos set up by his Department since February 2011; the number abolished since then; the extra cost of quangos which were established; the savings from the abolition of quangos; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37245/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
The information requested by the Deputy is attached in the following spreadsheet:
| Name of Body, Board etc. | Date established | Were any bodies , boards etc abolished since 2011 | Cost of any new body , board etc set up since Feb 2011/ savings associated with abolition of any board, body etc. set up since Feb 2011 |
|---|---|---|---|
N/A | N/A | INBS merged into IBRC in June 2011 | Savings (not to the Exchequer directly of circa €200,000 |
| Name of Body, Board etc. | Date established | Were any bodies , boards etc abolished since 2011 | Cost of any new body , board etc set up since Feb 2011/ savings associated with abolition of any board, body etc. set up since Feb 2011 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Irish Fiscal Advisory Council | July 2011 | N/A | 2011 outturn - €222,000 2012 allocation - €650,000 |
| Forum on Philanthropy and Fundraising (D/Finance, Revenue & Irish Charities Tax Reform Group) | April 2011 | N/A | Not remunerated |
212. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Finance
the estimated cost of each quango in his Department; the amount expected to be saved from the mergers of quangos in his Department; the basis for this figure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37261/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
The information requested by the Deputy is as follows.
The National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) was established in 1990 with a commercial remit outside the civil service structure. It has a range of functions providing asset and liability management services to Government. These include borrowing for the Exchequer and management of the National Debt, the State Claims Agency, the New Economy and Recovery Authority (NewERA), the National Pensions Reserve Fund (NPRF), the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA), and the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA).
The NTMA reports directly to the Minister for Finance in the performance of its funding and debt management, State Claims Agency and NewERA functions. Each of the National Pensions Reserve Fund, the National Development Finance Agency and the National Asset Management Agency has its own board. The NTMA has an Advisory Committee to assist and advise on such matters as are referred to the Committee by the NTMA. The NTMA acts as the executive in respect of the NPRF and the NDFA. In the case of NAMA it assigns staff to NAMA and also provides it with business and support services and systems. NAMA reimburses the NTMA for the cost of these staff and services from its operations.
The NTMA’s net costs in 2011 were €41.2m. Of this €3.7m related to its functions in respect of the NPRF and €5.9m to its functions in respect of the NDFA. NAMA’s total administration expenses in 2011 were €128.4m, including fees of €57m paid to participating institutions for the servicing of NAMA loans. These costs are met from NAMA’s operations. The fees and expenses incurred in the operation of the NPRF in 2011 (other than the costs incurred by the NTMA set out above) were €17.2m. These costs are met from the National Pensions Reserve Fund. The administrative expenses incurred in the operation of the NDFA in 2011 (other that the costs incurred by the NTMA set out above) were €0.081m. These costs are met from the Central Fund.
The Credit Union Advisory Committee (CUAC) is a statutory committee established under Section 180 of the Credit Union Act 1997 to advise the Minister for Finance on matters relating to credit unions. The work of this Committee is ongoing in nature and the Committee is to remain in place. The cost of the CUAC in 2011 was €23,356 and the estimate of expenditure for 2012 is €18,000.
The Credit Union Restructuring Board (ReBo) was established on an administrative basis on 31st August 2012 pending the enactment of the Credit Union Bill 2012, when it will become a Statutory Body. Its work is to facilitate and support the restructuring of credit unions and it is to remain in place until 31 December 2015. The ReBo is to hold its first meeting on 28th September 2012. After that it will be in a position to formulate its work plan and outline its proposed cost. The Rebo will be funded jointly by the State and the Credit Union Sector.
Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal: the Revised Estimates provision for 2012 is €330,000 and there are no plans to merge this body.
Irish Fiscal Advisory Council, set up in July 2011: 2011 outturn - €222,000, 2012 allocation - €650,000.
213. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Finance
the number of new jobs created by his Department as a result of the jobs initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37277/12]
214. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Finance
the number of new jobs created by his Department as a result of the action plan on jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37293/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 213 and 214 together.
215. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Finance
the number of new jobs created by his Department as a result of Budget 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37309/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
The Government framed Budget 2012 in such a way as to make it as job friendly as possible, with various sectoral measures aimed at job creation. As I stated on Budget day, the primary purpose of the Budget was to support the creation and retention of jobs in the short term, the medium term and the long term. This has to be balanced with the need to restore public finances to a sound footing. I would like to point out that employment data are presented in net terms and information on gross flows into and out of employment is not available. This makes it difficult to assess the number of jobs created by any policy initiative. Having said that, I think it is fair to say that there are tentative signs of stabilisation in labour market conditions. For instance, the latest data from the Live Register showed an annual decrease of 13,457 (-2.9%) people on the Live Register in August. This helped to reduce the unemployment rate to 14.7 per cent, although clearly this remains way too high.
So, leaving aside the fact that quantifying the impact is difficult, I am confident that the measures targeted at job creation for the different sectors of the economy in Budget 2012, as well as the measures introduced by the Jobs Initiative, such as reducing the rate of VAT in the high value added tourism sector, are playing an important role in both creating and sustaining employment. Finally, I want to reiterate that addressing the labour market difficulties remains the Governments biggest challenge and, accordingly, Government is giving its highest priority to job protection and job creation.
216. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Finance
the total amount spent on taxis by his Department since February 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37325/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
In response to the Deputy’s question my Department spent €36,748.16 on taxis since February 2011. Some €15,263.25 of this relates to taxis undertaken domestically. My Department has a policy of ensuring that staff who require to use taxis for official purposes are required to pay the costs themselves and claim recoupment through our accounting system. As well as individual trips the domestic costs include taxi’s ordered centrally through corporate services for business reasons. In the period in question some € 11,941.70 was spent on taxis ordered centrally. Included in this amount are costs related to taxi’s order in respect of the business requirements of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reforms as separate billing arrangements for such requirements were not introduced until December 2011. The remaining €21,484.91 spend on taxis in the period relates to taxis booked while abroad on Departmental business. Claims for these costs are paid through our accounting system on production of a valid receipt.
217. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Finance
the number of press officers in his Department; the number of press officers in each agency under his auspices; the total cost of press officers in his Department and in agencies under his auspices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37341/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
My Department employs one press officer who is a civil servant and is currently in receipt of a salary of €71,359 per annum.
218. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Finance
the total number of board appointees he has made since he came to office; the names, salaries and expenses of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37357/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
The information requested by the Deputy is contained in the following table.
| Name of Body | Name of appointee | Date appointed/ reappointed | Remuneration Received |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disabled Drivers Medical of Appeal | Dr Angela McNamara | Re-appointed on 07 Nov 2011 | Dr McNamara is entitled to a session rate of €607.20 when attending each appeal Board sitting. |
| *Irish Bank Resolution Corporation (IBRC) | Mr Roger McGreal Mr Oliver Ellingham | 15th Nov 2011 14th Oct 2011 | €73.600 p.a. €73,600 p.a |
| Fiscal Advisory Council (established June 2011) | Professor John McHale (Chair) Mr. Sebastian Barnes Professor Alan Barrett Dr. Donal Donovan, Dr Roisin O’Sullivan | 7th July 2011 | With effect from 1 July 2012, the fees payable to Council Members are based on those payable to Directors of Category 2 Non-Commercial State-Sponsored Bodies, which are set from time to time by the Dept. of Public Expenditure and Reform. The relevant fees are €20,520 for the Chair and €11,970 for Members. The fees, which are being paid on a pro-rata basis in 2012, are payable to the employer of the Chair or Members if the employer comes within the Irish public sector or is an international organization of which Ireland is a Member and whose budget it contributes to. This applies in relation to Prof. McHale, Mr Barnes and Prof. Barrett. In the first half of 2012, an annual stipend of €5,000 (pro-rata) was payable to Members unless they were employed in the Irish public sector. |
219. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Finance
if he will detail, in tabular form, the total photography costs for his Department since coming to office inclusive of costs incurred from use of the Ministerial allowance; the occasions for which photographers were booked; the photographers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion that a photographers was used; if there is a policy regarding the booking of photographers within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37373/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
In response to the Deputy’s Question details of the occasions on which photographers were used since coming to office are contained in the following table:
Use of Photographer
| Company used | Details | Cost € |
|---|---|---|
| Maxwell Photography Ltd | Brian Lenihan - photo required for Minster’s Conference - Engaged on 30th March 2011 | €424.41 |
| Maxwell Photography Ltd | Signing of Taxation agreement with Germany –Engaged on 31st March 2011 | €400..21 |
| Maxwell Photography Ltd | Signing ceremony for Double Taxation Agreement with Switzerland – Minister of State Hayes & Swiss Ambassador- Engaged 26th January 2012 | €285.05 |
| Maxwell Photography Ltd | Signing ceremony for Double Taxation Agreement with Uzbekistan Attended by Minister of State Hayes 11th July 2012 | €147.60 |
220. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Finance
if he will detail in tabular form, the total cost of providing entertainment for his Department since coming to office inclusive of costs incurred from use of the Ministerial allowance; the occasions for which entertainment was provided; the entertainers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion; if there is a policy regarding the booking of entertainers within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37445/12]
221. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Finance
the amount spent on food and drink by his Department; if he will provide a breakdown of what this involved; the occasions on which food and drink was provided; those present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37461/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 220 and 221 together.
In response to the Deputy’s question since coming to office €337.56 has been spent by me on official entertainment. A breakdown of the expenditure is contained in the following table:
| Date | Amount paid € | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 25/11/2011 | 63.00 | Lunch with guests Merrion Hotel |
| 17/01/2012 | 148.00 | Dinner with guests Hibernian Hotel St Stephens Green |
| 27/01/2012 | 126.56 | Dinner with guests Dunraven Arms Hotel Adare Manor Limerick |
| 23/06/2011 | 261.25 | Dinner for 6 people with World Bank Officials |
|---|---|---|
| 30/06/2011 | 174.45 | Official Lunch for 7 people – Organisation for European Cooperation and Development. |
| 04/07/2011 | 69.58 | Official lunch for 2 with European Commission representative |
| 12/11/2011 | 308.51 | Official Banking SLO Team Lunch for 9 people |
| 30/01/2012 | 83.70 | Official Lunch for 4 persons |
| 23/03/2012 | 155.00 | Official lunch for 8 persons including representatives from the European Commission and Revenue Commissioners. |
| 29/03/2012 | 110.00 | Official lunch for 4 persons including Ms Micheline Aucion Executive Director of Asian Development Bank |
| 23/04/2012 | 75.65 | Official Lunch for 7 persons -lunch with Northern Ireland Officials . |
| 15/05/2012 | 72.60 | Lunch for 4 Persons- Meeting with UK Treasury on VAT issues |
| 07/06/2012 | 485.50 | Official dinner for 7 persons - visit of World Bank Managing Director to Dublin |
| 15/06/2012 | 350.30 | Dinner for 5 persons on the occasion of the visit of Executive Director of World Bank Ms Lucie Morin to Dublin. |
222. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Finance
the amount spent on hair and make-up by his Department since he came to office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37477/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
The total amount of money spent by the Department of Finance on make-up since February 2011 was €50.
223. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Finance
the number and names of all special advisers, special press advisers, or any other type of Ministerial adviser in his Department; the name of the Minister / Minister of State to whom he reports; the salary of each advisor now; the salary of each advisor at the time they were appointed; if any salary increase was asked for; if this was granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37493/12]
228. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Finance
the political activities of each special adviser, special press advisers, or any other type of Ministerial adviser in his Department; if any of them were members of a political party; if so the parties to which they belonged; if any of them are or have been elected local authority members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37574/12]
353. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Finance
the names of special advisors for whom salary increases have been requested; the amount requested; the details of those granted increases and the amount by which they were increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40021/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 223, 228 and 353 together.
In my Department, I have appointed Mary Kenny and Eoin Dorgan as special advisors. The salary for both special advisors is €86,604 and €83,337 respectively per annum. The Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour (September 2004) sets out the terms and conditions of service, including the engagement in political activity, of all civil servants including Ministerial appointees. Section 5.4 of the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour excludes staff holding temporary unestablished positions and whose tenure is coterminous with that of the relevant Minister from the restrictions on engaging in political activity as set out in section 5 of the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour.
224. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Finance
if he will provide detail in tabular form, the names of all external public relations and consultancy persons and organisations used by his Department for the years 2011 and 2010; the amount paid to each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37509/12]
226. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Finance
if he will detail in tabular form, the amount paid on external public relations and communications consultants since February 2011; the reason for the payment; the name of each organisation used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37542/12]
227. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Finance
if he will detail in tabular form, the amount paid to consultants since February 2011; the name of each organisation used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37558/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 224, 226 and 227 together.
The table below sets out the information requested. Every effort is made to minimize costs in this area but, from time to time, certain specialist skills and expertise are required. Our ongoing contract with Arthur Cox is necessary because the unfolding financial issues of relevance to the stabilization and regulation of the Banking/Financial Services sector.
| Year | Person/Organisation | Payment |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Arthur Cox & Company | 1,587,518 |
| 2012 | Deloitte & Touche | 61,553 |
| 2012 | Mazars | 60,885 |
| 2012 | Price Waterhouse Coopers | 42,743 |
| 2012 | Thomas J. Foley | 59,040 |
| 2012 | Brindley Advertising | 14,255 |
| 2011 | Arthur Cox & Company | 1,373,060 |
| 2011 | Charles Rivers Associates | 60,500 |
| 2011 | Aram International Partners LLC | 121,000 |
| 2011 | Mazars | 52,454 |
| 2011 | Niamh Hyland | 24,657 |
| 2011 | David Barniville | 36,402 |
| 2011 | Carr Communications* | 3,500 |
| 2010 | PriceWaterhouse Coopers | 118,580 |
| 2010 | Arthur Cox & Company | 4,804,884 |
| 2010 | Carr Communications* | 11,392 |
225. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Finance
the gross annual salary costs for his private and constituency offices at present; the same figures for this time last year; and the same figures for any Ministers of State in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37526/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
Since my appointment as Minister for Finance on 9 March 2011, the following staff have been appointed to my private office:
| GRADE | SALARY SCALE (per annum) | Wholetime Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Private Secretary | €33,247 - €58,294 | 1.00 |
| 2 Executive Officers (EO) | €29,024 - €47,379 | 1.00 |
| 1 Clerical Officer (CO) | €23,177- €37,341 | 1.00 |
| 2 Clerical Officers (CO) | €23,042 - €36,267 | 1.00 |
| GRADE | SALARY SCALE (per annum) | Wholetime Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Personal Assistant | €43,715 - €56,060 | 1.00 |
| 1 Executive Officer (EO) | €30,516 - €47,975 | 1.00 |
| 1 Clerical Officer (CO) | €19,814 - €31,963 | 1.00 |
| 1 Clerical Officer (CO) | €23,042 - €36,267 | 0.40 |
| GRADE | SALARY SCALE (per annum) | Wholetime Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Staff Officer (SO) | €33,070 - €43,906 | 1.00 |
Questions Nos. 226 and 227 answered with Question No. 224.
Question No. 228 answered with Question No. 223.
229. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Finance
the amount spent by his Department on drivers and Ministerial transport since February 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37590/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
In relation to the use of my car for Ministerial travel, the total cost has been €173,434 for the period May 2011 to date in September 2012. This cost included mileage (which is to cover car related expenses), the salaries paid to civilian drivers, travel and subsistence paid to the drivers and Employer PRSI contributions in respect of the two drivers. This amount is significantly below the €280,000 average annual cost under the previous domestic Ministerial transport regime for each Minister.
230. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Finance
the total amount spent since February 2011 on external reports commissioned by his Department, including payments from Ministerial allowances, details of the consultants employed and costs of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37622/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
The following amounts have been incurred in respect of reports commissioned by my Department from external consultants in the period since February 2011: €52,454 – Mazars; €60,500 – Charles River Associates; €61,553 - Deloitte & Touche; €60,885 - Mazars.
231. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan
asked the Minister for Finance
the reason the Central Bank of Ireland refuses to take action against a company (details supplied) that has claimed in a sworn affidavit in the High Court that the company acts as a 'mortgage lender' in the market within the meaning of the Consumer Credit Act 1995, but yet this company is not an authorised 'mortgage lender' as defined by the Central Bank and furthermore the company is not regulated by the Central Bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37634/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
The Central Bank has informed me that the company referred to by the Deputy is not and never has been, authorised by the Central Bank. All instances of alleged unauthorised activity that come to the attention of the Central Bank are investigated in full and action is taken where necessary and appropriate. However, due to confidentiality provisions as set out in Section 33AK of the Central Bank Act, 1942, as amended, the Central Bank cannot disclose details, to a third party, of any individual investigation it may undertake.
Question No. 232 answered with Question No. 193.
233. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan
asked the Minister for Finance
the number of applications received for new stock relief incentive for farm partnerships, reduced stamp duty on agricultural land transactions, restructured capital gains tax retirement relief up until 30 June 2012, which he announced in Budget 2012 for those involved in farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37648/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
No information is available as yet on the number of applications for the new stock relief incentive for farm partnerships, announced in Budget 2012, because this scheme will be applied for via the partnership’s tax return, and the returns for 2012 will not be submitted until 2013. Equally, the Budget 2012 changes to Capital Gains Tax retirement relief do not come into effect until after 31 December 2013, so information on the number of applications under the new provisions is not available.
The rate of stamp duty on transfers of non-residential property, which would also apply to agricultural land, was changed in Budget 2012, applying to property transactions executed on or after Budget night 6 December 2011. The previous six rates were replaced with a single rate of 2%. Figures of Stamp Duty on non-residential transactions are not captured in such a manner that would enable a breakdown to be provided between agricultural and non-agricultural transactions.
The available information on the numbers of claimants who availed of Stamp Duty reliefs on transactions in agricultural lands in 2010 and 2011 is as follows.
| Relief | 2010 | 2011 |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer to Young Trained Farmer | 1,170 | 865 |
| Farm Consolidation (expired with effect from 30 June 2011) | 45 | 55 |
| Family Farm Transfer | 14 | 15 |
| Consanguinity relief | 7,957 | 6,147 |
| Commercial Woodland exemption | 67 | 72 |
| Transfer of site from parent to child (Abolished with effect from 8 December 2010) | 3,003 | 839 |
234. Deputy Patrick Nulty
asked the Minister for Finance
further to parliamentary question No. 58 of 6 June, 2012 when a PRSI refundm will be granted to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; the reason for the further undue delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37697/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
The matter is being actively investigated and my colleagues will revert to the individual in due course.
235. Deputy Peter Mathews
asked the Minister for Finance
if the National Asset Management Agency is renting out any properties at an apartment block in South Dublin (details supplied); if so, the number of apartments NAMA is renting out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37714/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I am advised by NAMA that it does not own or manage properties securing its loans and that the property to which the Deputy refers is under the control of its debtors and receivers. NAMA has acquired loans from the five participating institutions and is not the owner/operator of the underlying properties. The Agency’s role is that of a secured lender. Other than properties that have been enforced, all of which are listed on NAMA’s website and which are managed by the appointed receivers/administrators, properties continue to be managed by their existing owners or their professional managers/agents. The owners/professional managers are responsible for the efficient running of properties, the collection of rents and service charges, arrangements for letting of vacant units. I understand that a small number of units in the development to which the Deputy refers are under the control of a receiver appointed by NAMA and are currently let.
236. Deputy Joanna Tuffy
asked the Minister for Finance
if he will provide an update on his policy on the closure by banks of branches in local towns and villages and the impact this has on the local communities effected and the need to ensure that banks serve the needs of local communities, including small businesses, residents served by poor transport links and people with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37715/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
As you will be aware, operational decisions for the covered banks – AIB, Bank of Ireland, IBRC and Permanent TSB - remain the responsibility of the boards and managements of the institutions. Notwithstanding the fact that the State is a significant shareholder in these institutions, I must ensure that the banks are run on a commercial, cost effective and independent basis to ensure the value of the banks as an asset to the State. The Relationship Frameworks between the Minister for Finance and each bank define the nature of the relationships with those banks as per the Memorandum on Economic and Financial Policies agreed with the EU Commission, the ECB and the IMF. These Frameworks were published on 30 March 2012 and can be found at; http://banking.finance.gov.ie/presentations-and-latest-documents/. As I have stated previously, the Deputy will appreciate that it is an inevitable, but unfortunate, consequence of the necessary restructuring of the banking system – and return to viability - that branches in certain towns and villages will be closed. I appreciate that the branch closures will have an impact on certain towns and villages, but I do expect that all the banks involved – not just AIB and Permanent TSB – will work with their customers to ensure that they minimise the impact of the closures.
The Government is committed to the development of rural areas and supports this commitment with resources that aim to diversify the rural economy and improve the quality of life in rural areas. Programmes managed by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government such as the Rural Development Programme and the Local and Community Development Programme continue to provide the financial resources necessary to support both economic and community activity in rural Ireland thereby laying strong and sustainable foundations for vibrant rural communities going forward. Such communities are the cornerstone of economic recovery particularly in rural areas.
237. Deputy Joanna Tuffy
asked the Minister for Finance
if those with equity release loans (details supplied) have been taken into account by him in his plans to help those with large debts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37717/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
The Equity Release Loan in question was available from February 2001 to November 2010. It provided long term equity release for people over the age of 65. It was a way of unlocking part of the value of your property, without having to move home. The amount a customer could borrow depended primarily on their age and the value of the property in question. No repayments are required on the loan until one of the following events occur:
2. The death of the borrower (In joint cases, the last surviving borrower)
3. The property is vacated for six months or more (In joint cases, by the last surviving borrower).
238. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Finance
the position regarding a pension cut in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [37724/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
The individual to whom the question refers has written to my Office on a number of occasions in recent months outlining his concerns about the pension fund levy and other matters. My Office has responded directly to the individual on all of the issues raised.
239. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Finance
if he will supply a list of all Labour Court recommendations that have been issued in respect of his Department and organisations under his aegis that have not been complied with in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37753/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
No Labour Court recommendations have issued in respect of my Department.
240. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Finance
the position regarding recruiting persons with a disability; the number of persons currently employed in his Department; the number of persons with a disability that have been employed since 1 January 2011 to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37837/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
In 2011, the Department of Finance exceeded the statutory minimum target of 3% with regard to the employment of persons with a disability. Currently, 3.9% of staff in the Department of Finance has a disability.
241. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Finance
the amount of extra revenue that will be raised by increasing income tax on couples earning €120,000 if there was a 5% tax increase. [38006/12]
316. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Finance
if he will provide details on the extra revenue that will be raised on an increase of 5% on taxation for single persons earning in excess of €120,000. [38646/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 241 and 316 together.
Question No. 242 answered with Question No. 188.
243. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Finance
his views on reducing the taxes applied to fuel in view of the ever increasing cost of petrol and diesel at the pumps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38024/12]
320. Deputy Tom Fleming
asked the Minister for Finance
his plans to address the impact of rising costs of oil, petrol, gas and diesel on households and businesses who are struggling to meet their household bills throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38723/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 243 and 320 together.
244. Deputy Eoghan Murphy
asked the Minister for Finance
if the application of VAT to a product service will be reviewed in respect of a person (details supplied) so that like products are taxed accordingly. [38032/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that based on the information on the named company’s website the service it supplies is guided tours visiting food establishments such as bread shops, food halls, street markets, cheesemongers, fishmongers, butchers, bakers and similar establishments. It would appear that participants avail of free samples of food at these establishments and no part of the cost of the tour relates to the supply of food. Based on this information the full consideration that the company receives relates to the supply of tour guide services, liable to VAT at the 13.5% reduced rate. The company should contact its Revenue District if it believes that the activities it is involved in are other than those described on its website.
245. Deputy Eoghan Murphy
asked the Minister for Finance
if he is considering an extension of the VAT reduction scheme introduced last year and any widening of the scheme to include additional areas or industries. [38033/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
The Finance (No. 2) Act 2011 provided for a second reduced VAT rate, of 9%, on a temporary basis in respect of certain tourism-related services and goods for the period 1 July 2011 to 31 December 2013. I have no plans to extend the 9% rate to include additional areas or industries.
246. Deputy Eoghan Murphy
asked the Minister for Finance
in recognition of the fact that an active lifestyle is important for both physical and mental health, if he will consider lowering the VAT rate on membership fees for gyms and public pools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38035/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I would point out that a low reduced VAT rate already applies to membership fees for gyms and swimming pools. While 75% of the goods and services liable to VAT in Ireland are subject to either the standard VAT rate of 23% or the 13.5% reduced rate, the VAT rate that applies to the supply of facilities for taking part in sporting activities is 9%. I have no plans to reduce further the VAT rate on gym and swimming pool membership fees.
247. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Finance
in view of the proposed increases in PRSI, if he realises that small businesses in particular cannot take anymore increases in taxes and are struggling at present to keep people in employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38063/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
The position is as I stated in my Budget day 2012 speech, that I intend to broaden the base for PRSI to cover rental, investment and other forms of income from 2013. I can assure the Deputy, that I am trying to take a balanced approach and the full details will be presented in Budget 2013.
248. Deputy Joanna Tuffy
asked the Minister for Finance
if he will provide an update on the number of applications for tax relief in respect of the third level registration fee; the amount refunded in total to those qualifying for the relief and how this compares with his estimates for this tax relief; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38087/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
The most recent year for which final information is available on the cost to the Exchequer, and the number of taxpayers availing, of the tax relief for third level educational fees is for the income tax year 2010. The relevant figures are shown as follows:
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249. Deputy Michael Moynihan
asked the Minister for Finance
if he is considering removing the first time buyers incentive in the Budget 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38092/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
The position is as I stated in my Budget day speech, that mortgage interest relief will no longer be available to house purchasers who purchase after the end of 2012 and will be fully abolished from 2018.
250. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Finance
if the current exemption from stamp duty on farm land transfers within families that applies to recipients with green certificate will apply to recipients who are registered on a green certificate course but will not complete this until 2013 in view of the fact that the stamp duty has to be paid by the end of November 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38228/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that Section 81AA of the Stamp Duties Consolidation Act 1999 provides an exemption from Stamp Duty on the transfer of agricultural land to a farmer who is:
251. Deputy Michael McGrath
asked the Minister for Finance
the number of notice of attachments issued by the Revenue in respect of the bank accounts of businesses for each year since 2008 and to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38244/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the number of notice of attachments issued by Revenue in respect of the bank accounts of businesses is set out in column 6 of the table below. Attachment notices can also be served on parties other than financial institutions and in certain circumstances are served on ‘debtors to’ or ‘employer(s) of’ the taxpayer. For completeness the table additionally includes the total number and value of attachment notices issued, and the actual number of businesses on which attachment notices were served.
| Year | Total No. of Attachments Issued | No. of businesses with attachments per year | Total Value of referrals (€m) | No. of Attachments specific to Banks / Building Society | No. of businesses with Attachments specific to Banks / Building Society | Value of Attachments specific to Banks / Building Society (€m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2008 | 2,362 | Not available | 131.4 | Not available | Not available | Not available |
2009 | 3,199 | Not available | 205.5 | Not available | Not available | Not available |
2010 | 4,228 | 2,887 | 232.7 | 3,342 | 2,644 | 182.1 |
2011 | 4,463 | 3,146 | 213.0 | 3,646 | 2,894 | 174.6 |
2012 | 2,793 | 2,073 | 126.8 | 2,299 | 1,870 | 105.3 |
252. Deputy Michael McGrath
asked the Minister for Finance
if he will consider extending the remit of the Credit Review Office to include Permanent TSB in view of the fact that the bank has customers engaged in business and who may wish to have credit decisions reviewed from time to time. [38250/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
As the Deputy is aware, the Credit Review Office (CRO) reviews decisions by the banks participating in NAMA to refuse, reduce or withdraw credit facilities (including applications for restructured credit facilities) from €1,000 up to €500,000. PTSB are not participating in NAMA. The Action Plan for Jobs 2012 contains a commitment to “assess the Credit Review Office to ensure SMEs are getting the support on bank lending they require.” One of the issues to be examined is whether the statutory basis under which the CRO operates should be adjusted, which may include a review of which banks participate in the process. My Department intends awarding the contract to the successful bidder for the assessment this week, with the final report due to be submitted in early November.
253. Deputy Michael McGrath
asked the Minister for Finance
if he will give details, for each covered institution the amount of secured and unsecured senior bonds outstanding at the end of September 2010 on the expiry of the bank guarantee under the credit institutions (financial support) scheme 2008. [38256/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
The covered institutions have supplied me with the following information:
| Institute | Secured Senior Bonds at 30 Sept 2010 €bn | Unsecured Senior Guaranteed Bonds at 30 Sept 2010 €bn | Unsecured Senior Unguaranteed Bonds at 30 Sept 2010 €bn |
|---|---|---|---|
| AIB(1) | 2.8 | 6.2 | 6.4 |
| EBS | 2.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 |
| IBRC (2) | 0.2 | 2.4 | 4.7 |
| PTSB | 3.1 | 4.5 | 2.9 |
| BOI | 12.7 | 8.3 | 5.1 |
254. Deputy Michael McGrath
asked the Minister for Finance
the position regarding self-employed persons claiming tax relief on medical expenses through the MED1 form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38273/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
The position is that Section 469 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides the legislative basis for the granting of relief for qualifying health expenses incurred in respect of the provision of health care. The qualifying criteria in relation to the granting of relief are the same irrespective of whether an individual is self-employed or paying tax under the PAYE system. A self-employed individual can include a claim for relief for qualifying health expenses at the same time as he or she makes an annual tax return (Form 11) for a year of assessment and relief will be granted as part of the assessment for that year. Details of the health expenses claim can be entered on Panel I on the Form 11. For ROS filers the details can be entered under the Personal Tax Credits tab under ‘Other health expenses’.
255. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
the estimated return to the Exchequer in a full year from the introduction of a new rate of tax of 48% on individual income in excess of €100,000. [38288/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
It is assumed that the threshold for the proposed new tax rate mentioned by the Deputy would not alter the existing standard rate band structure applying to single and widowed persons, to lone parents and married couples. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the estimated full year yield to the Exchequer, estimated by reference to 2013 incomes, of the introduction of a new 48% rate would be of the order of €365 million. However, given the current band structures, major issues would need to be resolved as to how in practice such a new rate could be integrated into the current system and how this would affect the relative position of different types of income earners.
256. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
the estimated return to the Exchequer in a full year by increasing the rate of capital gains tax from 30% to 40%. [38289/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the full year yield to the Exchequer, estimated in terms of expected 2013 gains, from increasing the CGT tax rate from 30% to 40% could be in the region of €160 million. This figure includes corporate gains. However, this estimate assumes no behavioural changes on the part of taxpayers, and large increases in rates such as are contemplated in the question may have a significant behavioural impact and may not produce a corresponding increase in tax yield. In current economic conditions any estimate of additional yield must be treated with caution. In addition, increasing the rate could, in theory, lead to a reduction in yield from the tax.
257. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
the estimated return to the Exchequer in a full year from raising the rate of capital acquisitions tax from 30% to 40% and reducing the thresholds by 25%. [38290/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the estimated full year yield to the Exchequer from increasing the Capital Acquisitions Tax rate by 10% to 40 %, based on the expected outturn in 2012, could be in the region of €100 million, assuming no change in the existing thresholds. The additional full year yield from existing taxpayers from reducing the existing thresholds by 25% and applying the proposed rate of 40% to the additional amounts thus brought into charge is estimated at €50 million.
Revenue do not receive information on gifts and inheritances which currently do not have to be declared so it is not possible to estimate the potential yield if such benefits were brought into the tax net.
These estimates are based on transactions recorded in 2010, the latest year for which the necessary detailed information is available. It should be noted that these estimates are based upon an assumption that there would be no behavioural impact of these changes, which could lead to a less than expected impact on Exchequer yield. In addition, the realization of any estimated yield from an increase in taxation on assets relating to property is subject to movements in the value of such assets, which are currently occurring in the economy.
258. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
if he will provide a comprehensive list of all tax reliefs paid from the Exchequer in 2011, including the estimated full year cost per relief; if he will further provide the full year cost of each relief in 2010 when estimates are not available, in tabular form. [38291/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the total identifiable costs to the Exchequer which are currently available relate to income tax and corporation tax allowances, reliefs, exemptions and tax credits available as set out in the following tables for 2008 and 2009, the most recent year for which the necessary detailed historical information is available. It should be noted that there have been changes since this period, i.e. some schemes have been abolished or modified and others have been introduced. For instance, as the Deputy will be aware, virtually all of the area-based and property tax incentive schemes have ended and this year’s Finance Act provided for a cap on property-based Accelerated Capital Allowance Schemes (in line with the tax life of the particular scheme) to be introduced from 1 January 2015. Relevant notes relating to items in the tables are also included.
Index of Tables and Notes
a)Note on the Cost of Tax Credits, Allowances and Reliefs 2008 and 2009
b) Table IT 6 showing Cost of Tax Credits, Allowances and Reliefs 2008 and 2009. Figures of cost in relation to corporation tax are included in the “Income Tax and/or Corporation Tax ” section of this table.
c) Notes on Table IT 6
d) Note on Green Paper on Pensions
e) Estimate of cost of certain property-based tax incentives and incomes exempt from tax for 2008 and 2009.
f) Note on reliefs in respect of which costs are not currently quantifiable or are negligible or are not identifiable within total aggregates.
Work is ongoing to update the costs to 2010 terms but this is not yet complete.
a) Cost of Tax Credits, Allowances and Reliefs 2008 and 2009
The following table IT 6 shows the estimated cost in terms of revenue forgone of the personal tax credits and the main reliefs and deductions allowable under the income tax system. A number of reliefs which apply both to individuals and companies is also included and the cost shown in relation to these reliefs covers income tax and corporation tax.
An adjustment is included in the cost figures applying to income tax to compensate for incomplete numbers of tax returns on record at the time of compiling the estimates.
The tax credits and reliefs listed in the table serve varying purposes. Many are essentially structural reliefs through which individual tax liabilities are adjusted to reflect relative taxable capacity. The main personal tax credits are a good example of this since they may be regarded as part of the progressive income tax structure representing a band of income chargeable at a zero rate. Others, such as relief for interest paid in full or investment in corporate trades, are tax-based incentives in favour of specific groups or activities which are designed to promote certain aspects of public policy.
In computing taxable profits, account needs to be taken in some way of the depreciation of capital assets incurred in earning those profits. To this extent, the figures in the table of the “costs” of capital allowances should not be regarded as measuring a “loss of tax revenue” on profits. To compute such “loss”, regard would have to be had to the excess of the amount of the capital allowances at current rates over the amount of the normal allowances.
The figures shown for the basic personal tax credits (married, single and widowed) are the costs of these tax credits as if all other tax credits and the exemption limits did not apply. They do not include individuals who are not on Revenue records because their incomes are below the income tax thresholds. The cost figures for the exemption limits are based on the excess of the exemption limits over the basic personal tax credits.
The figures of cost are for 2008 and 2009 and all figures are based on tax due in respect of assessments for each year and not on tax receipts within that year.
The figure against each credit or allowance represents the additional tax which would become payable if the tax credit or allowance were withdrawn assuming no consequent change in the behaviour of taxpayers (for example, in relation to the reliefs for savings), or the amounts of payments (for example, interest payable on certain savings schemes might need adjustment to take account of the new tax liability).
The numbers of claimants of each credit or relief are shown for both years to the extent that they are available. The numbers included are the taxpayers who would be adversely affected by the withdrawal of the respective credit or relief.
In the calculations, each tax credit or allowance has been dealt with separately and on the assumption that the rest of the tax system remained unchanged. It would be therefore inaccurate to calculate the effect of withdrawing all the credits, reliefs and allowances by simply totalling the figures. For example, the costs shown for capital allowances and stock relief are also calculated on the basis of separate withdrawal of these reliefs. Their combined cost would be greater than the sum of the separate costs because allowances are not always fully set off against available profits. For instance, a person with €1,000 gross trading profits, €1,000 capital allowances and €1,000 stock relief would pay no tax if either of the reliefs were withdrawn but would pay tax on €1,000 profits if both reliefs were withdrawn. In this case, the cost of each relief separately is nil but the combined cost is tax on €1,000. Basic data is not available to enable an estimate of the combined cost of these reliefs to be made.
The figures for estimates based on tax returns have been grossed up to an overall expected level to adjust for incompleteness in the numbers of returns on record at the time the data was extracted for analytical purposes.
Apart from the artists exemption, these figures do not take account of the application of the restriction of reliefs originally provided for in section 17 of Finance Act 2006, which took effect from 1 January 2007. The restriction was extended by Section 23 Finance Act 2010.
Finally, the estimates shown in many cases are tentative and are subject to revision in the light of later information.
:
b) Table IT 6 showing Cost of Tax Credits, Allowances and Reliefs 2008 and 2009
INCOME TAX AND CORPORATION TAX | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
TABLE IT6 | ||||||||||
Cost of Tax Credits, Allowances and Reliefs 2008 and 2009 | ||||||||||
(1) Estimated cost for | ||||||||||
| Tax Relief Provision | 2008 | 2009 | ||||||||
| INCOME TAX | €m | Numbers | €m | Numbers | ||||||
| Exemption limits: | ||||||||||
| General Exemption (2) | 0.0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | ||||||
| Child Addition (2) | 0.3 | 900 | 0.2 | 800 | ||||||
| Age Exemption (2) | 90.8 | 57,700 | 82.4 | 54,900 | ||||||
| Married Person's Credit (3) | 2,944.9 | 853,100 | 2,853.2 | 835,000 | ||||||
| Single Person's Credit (3) | 2,406.8 | 1,503,300 | 2,088.2 | 1,316,900 | ||||||
| Widowed Person's Credit (3) | 184.3 | 81,100 | 184.8 | 81,100 | ||||||
| Additional Credit to Widowed Person in Year of Bereavement | 4.9 | 4,000 | 4.9 | 4,000 | ||||||
| Additional Bereavement Credit to Widowed Parent | 6.9 | 2,300 | 6.2 | 2,400 | ||||||
| Additional Personal Credit for Lone Parent | 197.4 | 116,700 | 174.1 | 103,600 | ||||||
| Homecarer Credit | 79.5 | 93,100 | 63.9 | 77,500 | ||||||
| Additional Credit for Incapacitated Child | 39.0 | 12,300 | 38.0 | 12,200 | ||||||
| Employee (PAYE) Credit | 3,253.8 | 1,710,200 | 2,995.2 | 1,560,600 | ||||||
| Dependent Relative Credit | 2.0 | 18,700 | 2.1 | 18,200 | ||||||
| Person Taking Care of Incapacitated Taxpayer | 5.8 | 1,260 | 5.9 | 1470 | ||||||
| Age Credit | 42.3 | 88,100 | 43.7 | 90,700 | ||||||
| Blind Person's Credit (incl.Guide Dog Allowance) | 2.1 | 1,320 | 1.9 | 1190 | ||||||
| Medical Insurance Premiums (4) | 321 | 1,322,400 | 589.6 | 1,233,900 | ||||||
| Health Expenses | 266.8 | 542,600 | 145.5 | 492,800 | ||||||
| Contributions Under Permanent Health Benefit Schemes, after Deduction of Tax on Benefits Received (5) | 4.0 | 29,200 | 3.9 | 27,300 | ||||||
| Employees' Contributions To Approved Superannuation Schemes (6) | 655.0 | 792,600 | 729.0 | 713,600 | ||||||
| Employers' Contributions To Approved Superannuation Schemes (6) | 165.0 | 362,700 | 153.0 | 342,200 | ||||||
| Exemption of Investment Income and Gains of Approved Superannuation Funds (6) * | 685.0 | N/A | 780.0 | N/A | ||||||
| Exemption of employers' contributions from employee BIK (6) | 595.0 | 362,700 | 558.0 | 342,200 | ||||||
| Tax Relief on "tax free" lump sums (6) | 140.0 | N/A | 140.0 | N/A | ||||||
| Retirement Annuity Premiums | 352.8 | 116,000 | 237.2 | 101,300 | ||||||
| Personal Retirement Savings Accounts | 73.8 | 53,900 | 77.0 | 56,200 | ||||||
| Interest paid: | ||||||||||
| Loans relating to Principal Private Residence | 704.6 | 778,100 | 486.3 | 782,700 | ||||||
| Other (7) | 48.5 | 5,400 | 26.5 | 5,000 | ||||||
| Rent Paid in Private Tenancies | 96.5 | 222,100 | 85.9 | 196,900 | ||||||
| Expenses Allowable to Employees under Schedule E | 75.2 | 835,900 | 73.7 | 744,300 | ||||||
| Third Level Education Fees | 19.9 | 36,000 | 20.6 | 34,700 | ||||||
| Exemption of Certain Earnings of Writers, Composers and Artists | 21.8 | 2,630 | 22.1 | 2,590 | ||||||
| Dispositions (Including Maintenance Payments made to Separated Spouses) | 22.33 | 7,820 | 19.5 | 6,840 | ||||||
| Exemption of Interest on Savings Certificates, National Installment Savings & Index Linked Savings Bonds | 88.1 | N/A | 138.2 | N/A | ||||||
| Rent a Room | 5.6 | 3,600 | 5.6 | 3,770 | ||||||
| Exemption of Income of Charities, Colleges, Hospitals, Schools, Friendly Societies, etc. ( 8) ( 10) | 35.8 | N/A | 40.7 | N/A | ||||||
| Retirement Relief for certain Sports Persons.( 9) | 0.2 | 17 | 0.2 | 15 | ||||||
| Exemption of Irish Government Securities where owner not ordinarily resident in Ireland (10) * | 320.8 | N/A | 486.7 | N/A | ||||||
| Exemption of Statutory Redundancy Payments ( 11)* | 85.4 | 29,800 | 147.8 | 77,000 | ||||||
| Service Charges | 27.1 | 455,200 | 26.8 | 452,600 | ||||||
| Top Slicing Relief - Reduced Tax Rate for Payments in Excess of Exemption Amounts Made as Compensation for Loss of Office | 44.7 | 3,790 | 47.8 | 6,110 | ||||||
| Revenue Job Assist allowance | 0.2 | 330 | 0.3 | 390 | ||||||
| Allowance for seafarers | 0.3 | 160 | 0.2 | 150 | ||||||
| Trade Union Subscriptions | 26.4 | 341,900 | 26.7 | 345,800 | ||||||
| Exemption From Tax of Certain Social Welfare Payments: | ||||||||||
| Child benefit * | 435.3 | 401,200 | 390.7 | 372,900 | ||||||
| Early childcare Supplement* | 98.3 | 195,200 | 47.5 | 154,300 | ||||||
| Maternity allowance * | 18.2 | 23,420 | 19 | 23,300 | ||||||
| Foster Care Payments | 28.09 | 3,470 | 28.4 | 3,360 | ||||||
TABLE IT6 - continued | ||||||||||
Cost of Tax Credits, Allowances and Reliefs 2008 and 2009 | ||||||||||
| INCOME TAX | ||||||||||
| Exemption of Income arising from the Provision of Childcare Services | 0.8 | 440 | 0.8 | 470 | ||||||
| Approved Profit Sharing Schemes * | 99 | 111,190 | 37.6 | 62,900 | ||||||
| Savings-Related Share Option Schemes* | 1.3 | 2,800 | 0.8 | 1,800 | ||||||
| Approved Share Option Schemes* | 0.1 | 280 | 0.5 | 370 | ||||||
| Relief for New Shares Purchased by Employees | 0.3 | 280 | 0.3 | 250 | ||||||
| Investment in Corporate Trades (BES) | 55.7 | 3,200 | 25.6 | 1,640 | ||||||
| Investment in Seed Capital | 1.7 | 56 | 2.9 | 77 | ||||||
| Stock Relief * | 2.0 | N/A | 2.0 | N/A | ||||||
| Exempt Rental Income from Leasing of Farm Land | N/A | N/A | 4.4 | 2,960 | ||||||
| Relief for expenditure on significant buildings and gardens | 5.9 | 290 | 4.6 | 150 | ||||||
| Donation of Heritage items | 4.7 | 5 | 0.7 | 2 | ||||||
| Donation of Heritage property to the Irish Heritage Trust. | 3.6 | 4 | 0 | 0 | ||||||
| INCOME TAX AND/OR CORPORATION TAX ( 12) | ||||||||||
| Donations to Approved Bodies | 52.4 | 131,100 | 54.1 | 155,100 | ||||||
| Donations to Sports Bodies. (9) | 0.3 | 850 | 0.7 | 2100 | ||||||
| Employee Share Ownership Trusts* | 8.4 | 29,200 | 1.3 | 16,400 | ||||||
| Total Capital Allowances:( 13) | 2,176.6 | 270,200 | 2,281.60 | 298,800 | ||||||
| of which Energy Efficient Capital Allowances | N/A | N/A | 1.60 | 93 | ||||||
| Rented Residential Relief - Section 23 (13) * | 74.7 | 2,429 | 46.9 | 1,620 | ||||||
| Effective Rate of 10% for Manufacturing and Certain Other Activities ( 15) | 160.9 | 1,046 | 340.6 | 1,370 | ||||||
| Double Taxation Relief | 596.5 | 18,000 | 589.1 | 18,900 | ||||||
| Investment in Films* | 32.8 | 3200 | 42 | 2,553 | ||||||
| Group Relief | 450.3 | 2430 | 390.5 | 2,507 | ||||||
| Research & Development Tax Credit ( 16) | 146 | 582 | 216.1 | 900 | ||||||
| TaxIncentive / Income Exemption 2008 | Amount Claimed €m | Assumed maximum tax cost €m | Number of claimants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban renewal | 230.8 | 87.0 | 3,367 |
| Town Renewal | 61.6 | 24.2 | 998 |
| Seaside Resorts | 16.1 | 6.4 | 1,091 |
| Rural Renewal | 88.4 | 35.7 | 2,803 |
| Multi-storey car parks | 16.8 | 6.6 | 134 |
| Living Over the shop | 6.4 | 2.6 | 81 |
| Enterprise Areas | 6.3 | 2.5 | 138 |
| Park and Ride | 1.8 | 0.7 | 21 |
| Holiday Cottages | 36.9 | 14.8 | 844 |
| Hotels | 305.5 | 116.4 | 1,996 |
| Nursing Homes | 48.4 | 19.8 | 734 |
| Housing for the Elderly/infirm | 7.4 | 3.0 | 179 |
| Hostels | 1.68 | 0.69 | 22 |
| Guest Houses | 0.29 | 0.12 | 10 |
| Convalescent Homes | 1.4 | 0.5 | 32 |
| Qualifying Private Hospitals | 30.2 | 12.3 | 342 |
| Qualifying sports injury clinics | 4.1 | 1.7 | 60 |
| Buildings Used for certain child care purposes | 30.3 | 12.2 | 519 |
| Qualifying Mental Health Centres | 0.1 | 0.0 | 3 |
| Student Accommodation | 60.0 | 23.5 | 814 |
| Caravan Camps | 1.5 | 0.6 | 10 |
| Mid-Shannon Corridor Tourism Infrastructure | 1.8 | 0.7 | 12 |
| Exemption of profits or gains from Greyhounds | 0.0 | 0.0 | 10 |
| Exemption of profits or gains from Stallions | 92.3 | 15.1 | 192 |
| Exemption of profits or gains from Woodlands | 51.0 | 13.6 | 2,492 |
| Exempt Patents (Section 234, TCA 1997) | 198.3 | 51.7 | 1,209 |
| Totals | 1,299.2 | 452.6 | 18,111 |
| Tax Incentive / Income Exemption 2009 | Amount Claimed €m | Assumed maximum tax cost €m | Number of claimants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban renewal | 233.8 | 93.1 | 3410 |
| Town Renewal | 45.4 | 18.3 | 1,001 |
| Seaside Resorts | 13.3 | 5.3 | 875 |
| Rural Renewal | 70.0 | 28.0 | 2,653 |
| Multi-storey car parks | 13.2 | 5.2 | 130 |
| Living Over the shop | 4.1 | 1.7 | 66 |
| Enterprise Areas | 5.4 | 2.1 | 118 |
| Park and Ride | 2.0 | 0.8 | 20 |
| Holiday Cottages | 34.7 | 13.9 | 786 |
| Hotels | 263.2 | 102.1 | 1,906 |
| Nursing Homes | 54.4 | 21.6 | 750 |
| Housing for the Elderly/infirm | 6.8 | 2.8 | 145 |
| Hostels | 0.73 | 0.3 | 14 |
| Guest Houses | 0.24 | 0.1 | 8 |
| Convalescent Homes | 1.3 | 0.5 | 28 |
| Qualifying Private Hospitals | 30.5 | 12.5 | 346 |
| Qualifying sports injury clinics | 3.6 | 1.5 | 67 |
| Buildings Used for certain child care purposes | 30.8 | 12.5 | 527 |
| Qualifying Mental Health Centres | 0.1 | 0.0 | 1 |
| Student Accommodation | 48.3 | 19.1 | 751 |
| Caravan Camps | 0.6 | 0.2 | 2 |
| Mid Shannon Corridor Tourism Infrastructure | 0.6 | 0.2 | 2 |
| Exemption of profits or gains from Greyhounds | 0.0 | 0.0 | 5 |
| Exemption of profits or gains from Stallions | 2.0 | 0.4 | 32 |
| Exemption of profits or gains from Woodlands | 48.2 | 14.4 | 3,570 |
| Exempt Patents (section 234, TCA 1997) | 260.7 | 71.7 | 1,268 |
| OtherTotals | 52.61,226.6 | 19.5447.8 | 63519,116 |
259. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
the earnings cap for pensions contributions; and the estimated return to the Exchequer if the earnings cap was reduced to €75,000 and pensions tax reliefs then granted at 20%. [38292/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I assume that the Deputy is referring to the current annual earnings cap of €115,000 which operates to limit the level of tax-relieved personal pension contributions in any one year. The annual earnings cap acts, in conjunction with age-related percentage limits of annual earnings, to put a ceiling on the annual amount of tax relief an individual taxpayer can obtain on pension contributions. A breakdown of the cost of tax relief on employee contributions to occupational pension schemes is not available by income tax rate, as tax returns by employers to the Revenue Commissioners of employee contributions to such schemes are aggregated at employer level. An historical breakdown is available by tax rate of the tax relief claimed on contributions to personal pension plans — Retirement Annuity Contracts (RACs) and Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (PRSAs) — by the self-employed and others, to the extent that the contributions have been included in the personal tax returns of those taxpayers. There is, therefore, only a limited statistical basis for providing definitive figures.
260. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
the estimated once off saving for the Exchequer by abolishing the ability of incorporated bodies to claim trading losses against profits made in previous years for the purposes of tax returns. [38293/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
The availability of relief for losses incurred in a business is a well-established feature of the corporation tax regime, which is in recognition of the fact that a business cycle runs over several years and that it would be unbalanced to tax profits in one year and not allow losses in another. Under Irish tax legislation a company incurring a trading loss in an accounting year can carry that loss back for offset against profits in the immediately preceding year. The carry back of a trading loss is limited to one accounting year back and there must be profits in that year for the provision to be of use to a company. A trading loss in an accounting year may also be carried forward for offset against trading profits of the same trade in subsequent years.
261. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
the estimated savings for the Exchequer in 2013 and in a full year from standardising tax reliefs. [38294/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the deductions and reliefs which are allowable for tax at an individual’s marginal rate of income tax and for which estimates of cost can be provided are set out below together with estimated costs for the year 2009, the most recent year for which the necessary estimates are available. If relief for these deductions and reliefs was confined to the standard rate of income tax the saving to the Exchequer could be of the order of €1,000 million. This estimate does not take into account any possible behavioural change on the part of taxpayers as a consequence of such a change or the economic effect of such a change. This applies in particular to the BES, Film Relief and Capital Allowances regime. The standard rating of employee pension reliefs would also have an impact on workers’ take home pay.
It should be noted that there have been changes since this period, i.e. some schemes have been abolished or modified and others have been introduced. For instance, as the Deputy will be aware, the BES was re-launched as the Employment and Investment Incentive, with changes to the amount of relief payable and types of companies that can qualify.
Tax Relief Provision | Total 2009 Cost | Saving if Standard Rated |
|---|---|---|
€m | €m | |
| Person Taking Care of Incapacitated Taxpayer | 5.9 | 2.4 |
| Health Expenses (Nursing Homes) | 23.1 | 6.1 |
| Contributions Under Permanent Health Benefit Schemes, after Deduction of Tax on Benefits Received | 3.9 | 1.6 |
| Employees' Contributions To Approved Superannuation Schemes | 729.0 | 345.2 |
| Retirement Annuity Premiums | 237.2 | 105.6 |
| Personal Retirement Savings Accounts | 77.0 | 26.5 |
| Interest paid relating to borrowings for purposes such as acquiring an interest in a company or partnership or to pay death duties | 26.5 | 11.6 |
| Expenses Allowable to Employees under Schedule E | 73.7 | 27.4 |
| Retirement Relief for certain Sports Persons. | 0.2 | 0.1 |
| Revenue Job Assist allowance | 0.3 | 0 |
| Allowance for seafarers | 0.2 | 0 |
| Investment in Corporate Trades (BES) | 25.6 | 13.1 |
| Investment in Seed Capital | 2.9 | 1.2 |
| Stock Relief | 2.0 | 0.6 |
| Relief for expenditure on significant buildings and gardens | 4.6 | 2.2 |
| Donation of Heritage items | 0.7 | 0.6 |
| Donation of Heritage property to the Irish Heritage Trust | 0 | 0 |
| Donations to Approved Bodies (Income Tax only) | 51.11 | 19.8 |
| Donations to Sports Bodies (Income Tax only). | 0.6 | 0.2 |
| Capital Allowances (Income Tax only) | 1,004.9 | 395.9 |
| Rented Residential Relief -Section 23 | 46.9 | 24.0 |
| Investment in Films | 42.0 | 25.6 |
| Total | 2,358.3 | 1,009.7 |
262. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
if he will list remaining property tax reliefs; if he will state the legacy cost of these reliefs on the Exchequer and the estimated return to the Exchequer of abolishing these reliefs in 2013 and in a full year. [38295/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
It is assumed that the Deputy is referring to the cost, in terms of tax foregone, of the following two property based tax incentive schemes that remain in the tax code: Mid-Shannon Corridor Tourism Infrastructure Investment (only 80% of expenditure can qualify in certain areas) and Qualifying Specialist Palliative Care Units (subject to Commencement Order). I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that based on information regarding the cost of the Mid-Shannon Scheme, which has been received and collated for the tax year 2010, the latest year for which data is available, the annual yield to the Exchequer from the abolition of this relief could be in the region of €0.2 million. The Palliative Care Units Scheme was not commenced. All other such schemes have been terminated, subject to transitional arrangements for certain schemes where projects were already in the pipeline. However, due to their nature these reliefs continue to entail ongoing costs on the Exchequer in terms of tax foregone.
263. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
the estimated return to the Exchequer from introducing a tax on online gambling of 5%. [38296/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
It was announced in Budget 2011 that the necessary arrangements are being made to ensure that bets placed on the internet by domestic punters are subject to the same level of betting duty as applies to high street betting shops. This will serve to broaden the tax base and increase betting duty receipts. The Finance Act 2011 provides for the taxation of bets that remote bookmakers enter into with persons in the State. This means, for example, that a business which engages in online bookmaking and which accepts bets from people in this country will be liable for betting duty on those bets, irrespective of where that business is based. The existing betting duty (1%) will be applied to such bets. The Finance Act also provides for the taxation of Betting Exchanges under the new arrangements; however the calculation of the tax will take account of their particular business model, in other words a 15% tax on the commission charged. In addition, excise duties are being applied to the granting and renewal of remote bookmakers’ and remote betting intermediaries’ licences.
264. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
the estimated return to the Exchequer from increasing the tax on betting shop profits from 1% to 5%. [38297/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
It is assumed that the Deputy is referring to an increase in the rate of Betting duty, which currently stands at 1% and which is on top of other taxes such as corporation tax and income tax as appropriate. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that if the rate was increased from 1% to 5%, the yield would be in the region of €135m in a full year. However, this is a straight line calculation and does not take account of the impact of such a rate on betting activity or any other variables.
265. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
if he has examined the potential for a wealth tax; and the estimated return to the Exchequer from a 1% wealth tax on individual wealth in excess of €1 million. [38298/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
The Government does not propose at this time to introduce a wealth tax, although all taxes and potential taxation options are constantly reviewed. To estimate the potential revenue from such a wealth tax, we would need to identify the wealth held by individuals. I am informed by the Central Statistics Office that the institutional sector accounts do not give an indication of the number of households or persons classified by the categories of wealth they hold. These statistics are based on aggregate information collected from financial institutions and do not contain the demographic details which would enable such a breakdown of the statistics. So while the CSO’s institutional sector accounts show that households held c. €126 billion on deposit in 2010, this is not broken down by income or wealth categories.
However, I understand that, following discussions between the Department of Public Enterprise and Reform, the CSO and the Central Bank, the CSO has commenced a “Household Finance and Consumption Survey”, which will include, inter alia , a survey of wealth. The first results of this survey will be available in 2014. The data to be collected by the CSO as part of this survey is primarily targeted as general information on the financial situation and behaviour of households. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that they have no statistical basis for compiling estimates in relation to a potential annually recurring tax on wealth. It is therefore not possible to provide the information requested by the Deputy on the potential return from a 1% wealth tax on individual wealth in excess of €1 million.
266. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
if a preliminary impact assessment, including an assessment on the cost to the Exchequer from the measures contained within, of the 2012 Finance Act has been undertaken; and if so, if he will state its findings. [38299/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
The Budget Book published on December 6th contained a full assessment of the yield and cost on each of the measures proposed. There was no substantial change in the Finance Act compared with the Budget Statement in December. Finance Act 2012 contained no major new expenditure item. Indeed, many of the individual measures in the Act, which were not specifically referred to in the Budget, are technical in nature. However if the Deputy would care to highlight measures in the Act which are of particular interest to him, I will see that information relating to these is provided.
267. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Finance
his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding vehicle registration tax [38302/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
Vehicles must be registered within 30 days of arriving in the State and an appointment for this purpose must be made with an NCTS Centre within 7 days of the vehicle arriving in the State. I am advised that while there are delays at the NCTS Centre Northpoint in relation to regular NCT vehicle testing, the average waiting time for a VRT inspection appointment is 5 days. Currently the waiting time is 1 day. In relation to payment options, I am advised that for security reasons only payments of €250 or less can be paid by cash. I am also advised that the standard guaranteed amount of €1,500 that may be paid by Laser card is set by the bank. I am advised that the issue of the limit amount on Debit cards is being discussed with the banks with a view to increasing the limit. The fee for the use of a credit card for the payment of VRT is an administrative fee to cover the costs of making such a facility available. Charges associated with a bank draft are a matter for the individual banks.
In many instances the amount of VRT payable is known prior to a visit to the NCTS Centre. In cases where it is not possible to determine the amount of VRT payment prior to inspection, the customer is advised of the amount due and can make the payment later without appointment.
268. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
the principal person or persons at an audit firm (details supplied) who was or were responsible for the audit of the financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2008, of the bank formerly known as Anglo Irish Bank which is now 100% owned by the State. [38304/12]
270. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
the steps taken by the bank formerly known as Anglo Irish Bank to seek redress from an audit firm (details supplied) in respect of any failure to identify irregularities in the financial statements for the year ended 30 September, 2008. [38306/12]
271. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
the steps taken by him or agencies acting under his aegis to seek redress from auditors (details supplied) in respect of any failure to identify irregularities in the financial statements for Anglo Irish Bank. [38307/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 268, 270 and 271 together.
As the Deputy is aware the company referred to in the question, chartered accountants and registered auditors, conducted the audits of the relevant financial statements of Anglo Irish Bank Corporation for the year ended 30 September 2008. I have been informed that the bank is not in a position to positively identify all the principal persons at that company who were responsible for the conduct of the audit.
The Deputy will be aware that the Chartered Accountants Regulatory Board (CARB) appointed Mr John Purcell to conduct an independent enquiry into certain matters relating to their conduct as auditors of Anglo. The Statement issued by CARB following his investigation is attached. Mr Purcell also carried out an investigation into the conduct of Mr Sean Fitzpatrick, Mr William McAteer and Mr David Drumm, all officers of Anglo and members of CAI. The Statement issued following the investigation is attached.
In all cases Mr Purcell concluded there was a prima facie case. The next step in the process is for CARB to hold public Disciplinary Tribunals. However, these have been stayed following a request from the DPP who was concerned that the CARB prosecution of any of these cases could prejudice the criminal enquiry against the individuals or the firm named above arising from the various investigations carried out by the Garda and Regulatory Authorities.
The bank has also advised me that it is actively investigating all legacy issues with a view to taking appropriate action to resolve such issues. Due to the sensitive nature of those issues, it would be inappropriate for the bank to comment further on the subject matter of the question at this time.
Statement issued in accordance with Bye-Law 19.8 of the Disciplinary Bye-Laws of Chartered Accountants Ireland by the Complaints Committee of the Chartered Accounts Regulatory Board (CARB)
A meeting of CARB’s Complaints Committee took place on 13th September 2011 at which the Report of Special Investigator, Mr John Purcell, concerning his investigation into Institute Member firm, Ernst & Young, in respect of their former role as auditors to Anglo Irish Bank, was considered.
In his Report to the Complaints Committee, Mr Purcell certified that, in his opinion, there existed certain prima facie cases against the member firm.
The Complaints Committee referred those prima facie cases to CARB’s Disciplinary Panel by way of Formal Complaints under the provisions of Bye-Law 19.6 of the Disciplinary Bye-Laws of Chartered Accounts Ireland.
The Special Investigator certified that in his opinion there were prima facie cases against Ernst & Young in respect of their role as auditors to Anglo Irish Bank in respect of the following:1.Their failure to detect the scale of Mr Sean FitzPatrick’s loans and their systematic refinancing over year ends and the lack of appropriate disclosure in the first set of Anglo’s Financial Statements for the year end 30th September 2008, which were signed on 2nd December 2008, or in Ernst & Young’s audit report thereon;
2.Their failure to refer to the transactions in September 2008 between Irish Life & Permanent and Anglo in their audit report on the first set of Anglo’s 2008 Financial Statements, in the absence of appropriate disclosure in those 2008 Financial Statements;
3.Their failure to ensure appropriate disclosure of a loan made to Mr William McAteer, a Director of Anglo, in the first set of Anglo’s 2008 Financial Statements or in their audit report thereon.
The Special Investigator certified that in his opinion there was no prima facie against Ernst & Young in their role as auditors to Anglo Irish Bank in respect of the following:1.The manner in which they dealt with the September 2008 transactions between Irish Life & Permanent and Anglo in their audit report on the second set of Anglo’s 2008 Financial Statements, which were signed on 19th February 2009;
2.Their lack of awareness of the so-called “Maple 10 loans” when they issued their audit report on the fist set of Anglo’s 2008 Financial Statements;
3.The manner in which they deal with the so-called “Maple 10 loans” in their audit report on the second set of Anglo’s 2008 Financial Statements;
4.Their lack of awareness of the alteration of recourse terms on certain loans to four key management personnel of Anglo when Ernst & Young issued their audit report on the first set of Anglo’s 2008 Financial Statements.
Ends.
For more information contact:
Paul Daly
Communications Executive,
Chartered Accountants Regulatory Board.
Ph: 087-2235187
E: paul.daly@carb.ie
Statement by the CARB Complaints Committee regarding the report of the special investigator
Statement issued in Accordance with Bye-Law 72.8 of the Bye-Laws of Chartered Accountants Ireland by the Complaints Committee of the Chartered Accountants Regulatory Board (CARB)
A meeting of CARB’s Complaints Committee took place on 14 December 2010 at which four Reports of Special Investigator, Mr John Purcell, were presented. In his Reports to the Complaints Committee, Mr Purcell certified that, in his opinion, there existed certain prima facie cases that Institute members, Mr David Drumm, Mr Sean FitzPatrick, Mr William McAteer and Mr Peter Fitzpatrick, were liable to disciplinary action under the Buy-Laws of Chartered Accountants Ireland.
The Complaints Committee referred those prima facie cases to CARB’s Disciplinary Committee by way of Formal Complaints under the provisions of Bye-Law 72.6 of the Bye-Laws of Chartered Accountants Ireland.
The prima facie cases certified by the Special Investigator in relation to each member as follows:
Mr David Drumm
The Special Investigator certified that in his opinion there was a prima facie case in respect of the following:1.His role in relation to the temporary transfer of loans of Mr Sean FitzPatrick and their non disclosure in the financial statement of Anglo Irish Bank.
2.His role in relation to the transactions between Anglo Irish Bank and Irish Life and Permanent plc at key reporting dates in 2008.
3.His role in relation to the amendment of the terms of the loans made to ten customers of Anglo Irish Bank Corporation Limited for the purchase of shares in Anglo Irish Bank
4.His role in relation to certain loans made to four key management personnel.
The Special Investigator certified that in his opinion there was no prima facie case in respect of the following:
5.His role in relation to a loan made to Mr William McAteer in 2008.1.His role in relation to the loans made to ten customers of Anglo Irish Bank for the purchase of shares in Anglo Irish Bank.
Mr Sean FitzPatrick
The Special Investigator certified that in his opinion there was a prima facie case in respect of the following:1.His role in relation to the temporary transfer of his own loans and their non disclosure in the financial statement of Anglo Irish Bank.
2.His role in relation to the transactions between Anglo Irish Ban and Irish Life and Permanent plc at key reporting dates in 2008.
The Special Investigator certified that in his opinion there was no prima facie case in respect of the following:
3.His role in relation to a loan made to Mr William McAteer in 2008.1.His role in relation to the loans made to ten customers of Anglo Irish Bank for the purchase of shares in Anglo Irish Bank.
Mr William McAteer
The Special Investigator certified that in his opinion there was a prima facie case in respect of the following:1.Hs role in relation to the temporary transfer of loans of Mr Sean FitzPatrick and their non disclosure in the financial statement of Anglo Irish Bank.
2.His role in relation to the transactions between Anglo Irish Bank and Irish Life and Permanent plc at key reporting dates in 2008.
The Special Investigator certified that in his opinion that was no prima facie case in respect of the following:
3.His role in relation to the appropriate disclosure of a loan made by Anglo Irish Bank to him in September 2008.1.His role in relation to the loans made to ten customers of Anglo Irish Bank for the purchase of shares in Anglo Irish Bank.
2.His role in relation to a loan made by Anglo Irish Bank to him in September 2008.
Mr Peter Fitzpatrick
The Special Investigator certified that in his opinion there was a prima facie case in respect of the following:1.His role in relation to the transactions between Anglo Irish Bank and Irish Life and Permanent plc at key reporting dates in 2008.
For Enquiries contact paul.daly@carb.ie.ie or on 087-2235187
269. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
the principal person or persons at an audit firm (details supplied) who was or were responsible for the audit of the financial statements for the year ended 31 December, 2008 at Irish Life and Permanent which is now 99% owned by the State. [38305/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I have been informed by PTSB that the partner in charge of the 2008 audit for the audit firm referred to in the question was Mr Alan Boyne and that he read the audit report to shareholders at the 2009 AGM. Mr Boyne led a multi-disciplinary team of professionals in completing the audit.
Questions Nos. 270 and 271 answered with Question No. 268.
272. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
if he will confirm the heading in the Exchequer statement to which the circa €32.5m award in the case of a company (details supplied) and the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, will be charged; if he will confirm the quantum of legal costs incurred to date by the State in this matter. [38308/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
Issues from the Exchequer in respect of voted Department expenditure are shown in Note 4 of the Monthly Exchequer Statement. Information is at aggregate level only representing issues for supply services. The legal costs of the case are a matter for the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government.
273. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
following the judgment in the case of a company (details supplied) in respect of the Garda station on Harcourt Terrace, Dublin, the reason the completion notices served upon the State by the company and the Affordable Homes Partnership, were not responded to as noted in the judgment. [38309/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
As the Deputy may be aware, this is a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and, as such, I, as Minister for Finance have no role in this matter.
274. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
the amount raised for the Exchequer in residential house sale related stamp duty for each year from 2000 to date in 2012. [38348/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the available information on the yield from 2000 to date in 2012 from stamp duty on transfers of residential properties is set out in the following table.
Year | €m |
|---|---|
2000 | 282 |
2001 | 265 |
2002 | 349 |
2003 | 528 |
2004 | 752 |
2005 | 945 |
2006 | 1,311 |
2007 | 1,018 |
2008 | 445 |
2009 | 150 |
2010 | 107 |
2011 | 50 |
2012 (to end July) | 29 (Provisional) |
275. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
if stamp duty on residential homes will be abolished if a property tax is introduced. [38349/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
The Government has no plans to abolish Stamp Duty on transfers of residential property. Stamp Duty on property co-existed with domestic rates before their abolition in 1978; and in many jurisdictions (including those with similar legal systems, such as the UK and the USA, and those with similar sized property markets, such as Denmark and the Netherlands) an annual residential property tax exists in conjunction with a transactions-based tax which operates in a similar manner to Stamp Duty. The Deputy will note that the rate of Stamp Duty on the vast majority of residential properties is 1% compared to a high of 9% as recently as 2010.
Question No. 276 answered with Question No. 188.
277. Deputy Jack Wall
asked the Minister for Finance
if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare is due a rebate on taxes paid and universal health charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38385/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that refunds of all income tax and income levy deducted were made to the person in question in February 2011. In addition, I should point out that the Department of Social Protection is responsible for refunding any health contributions deducted that may be due back.
278. Deputy Shane Ross
asked the Minister for Finance
if the State has ruled out compensating investors who have lost savings and pension contributions in the Customs House Capital debacle; if the State acknowledges a responsibility in this affair due to lack of adequate regulation by the Central Bank of Ireland; if it is open to any citizen to take an action against the Central Bank for negligence under any circumstances; if there is a ceiling on the compensation available to investors in this case; the number of investors that were affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38426/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
The compensation of investors is provided for in the Investor Compensation Act, 1998 and the investor compensation scheme is operated by the Investor Compensation Company Limited. The scheme is intended to help retail clients and does not cover institutions or professional clients. The Official Liquidator of Custom House Capital Limited is currently reconciling all client investments held through Custom House Capital Limited. This will be a lengthy and complex process. Until this reconciliation process is fully completed it will not be possible to quantify the extent of losses for each individual client. The Investor Compensation Company Limited (ICCL) operates the scheme that pays compensation where an authorised firm is unable due to financial circumstances to return money or investment instruments owed to a client. Investors will be compensated if they are eligible investors only. The limits to the amounts payable in compensation is 90% of the amount lost, subject to a maximum of 20,000 euro, to each eligible investor.
Custom House Capital Limited has approximately 1,500 clients, the majority of whom are resident in the State. Until the reconciliation process currently underway by the Official Liquidator is complete, it will not be possible to determine the number of investors affected. The Central Bank has advised that in July 2011, it received new information, previously unknown, which increased the Central Bank's concerns regarding the integrity of client investments managed by Custom House Capital Limited. The Central Bank then decided to impose further directions on the firm and in July 2011 to seek the appointment of High Court Inspectors to investigate the affairs of the firm.
No amount of skilled supervision or enhanced audit can absolutely guarantee that determined and deliberately concealed efforts to misuse client holdings can be prevented. Section 33AJ (2) of the Central Bank Act 1942 provides that the Central Bank can not be held liable for damages "for anything done or omitted in the performance or purported performance or exercise of any of its functions or powers, unless it is proved that the act or omission was in bad faith".
279. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan
asked the Minister for Finance
if he will review the application of VAT on entrance fees to visitor farms for school tours. [38457/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
Irish VAT law is subject to the provisions of the EU VAT Directive with which it must comply. Up to 31 December 2011 admissions to historic houses and gardens, and open farms were treated for VAT purposes as lettings and regarded as exempt from VAT. Having regard to certain decisions of the European Court of Justice, where a letting was defined for VAT purposes, it was decided that such admissions could no longer be treated as exempt lettings. As there are no other provisions in the VAT Directive that would allow an exemption from VAT on admissions to visitor farms, such admission became subject to VAT from 1 January 2012. Schedule 1 to the VAT Consolidation Act 2010 provides an exemption for the provision of children's or young people's education by educational establishments recognised by the State. This exemption does not extend to admissions to visitor farms for educational school tours. While admissions to visitor farms became liable to VAT from 1 January, provision was made in the Finance Act 2012 to ensure that such admissions apply at the 9% reduced rate of VAT and not the standard 23% VAT rate.
280. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Finance
the amount of money spent on an annual basis on education and training of staff in 2011 and to date in 2012; the number of staff that availed of each course; if he will provide a list of the courses staff undertook and the cost of each course per person. [38485/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
Having skilled and qualified people in place is essential for us to deliver on our Strategic Plan and our goals and objectives, and investing in Learning and Development is one of the key elements that will help to improve the performance of individuals, and the Department in the medium to long-term. In this regard, my Department is currently examining applications for refunds of fees for last year and prefund of fees for the current academic year. Courses undertaken should have relevance to the work of the Department, with particular reference to any skills or qualifications which have been identified as particularly relevant to the officer's current post and/or the need for particular skills or qualifications within the Department. Full details of the cost and the nature of the costs for 2011 and 2012 will be forwarded to the Deputy in due course.
281. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
in view of the recently published report and accounts for the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation for the six months ending June 2012, which state that IBRC will be wound down by 2020, if he will explain the way in which the operation of the Anglo/Irish Nationwide Building Society promissory notes will be affected, and specifically what will happen to the €12.1billion of payments from him envisaged for the period 2021-2025. [38494/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
The issue raised by the Deputy is a matter which requires consideration in the overall context of sourcing and providing the necessary capital for the effective life time of the bank. It is important in this context to be clear the recent interim accounts produced by the bank refer to "winding up of the loan book in an orderly manner by 2020" as opposed to a winding up of the bank. This difference is important for technical reasons and also to provide options as to how the overall cost of the bank can be settled in an appropriate timeframe. I can confirm that, under current arrangements, the scheduled payments on the Promissory Notes are due to continue until 2031.
282. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
in view of the recently published report and accounts for the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation for the six months ending June 2012, which state that IBRC will be wound down by 2020, the way the claw back of any ultimate losses at the National Asset Management Agency pursuant to section 225 of the NAMA Act will be affected by this; and specifically the way NAMA will clawback any losses from IBRC in view of the fact that IBRC accounts for €44billion of the €74billion of loans acquired by NAMA, when section 225 of the NAMA Act provides for losses to be clawed back from participating institutions proportional to the value of loans originally acquired. [38495/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I am advised by NAMA that, earlier this year, its Board completed a review of its strategy and re-affirmed its expectation that NAMA remains on course to recoup for the taxpayer, at a minimum, the Senior Bonds issued as consideration for acquired loans, in addition to recovery of its carrying costs and the working and development capital expenditure it has advanced to debtors. Based on the Agency's record to date, I have no reason to doubt that the Agency will achieve its targets over its lifetime. In relation to Section 225 of the National Asset Management Agency Act 2009, the Deputy will be aware that a surcharge may be applied to the participating institutions only in the event of underlying losses being incurred by NAMA over its lifetime. The provision does not operate until the conclusion of NAMA's operations and the overall position of the taxpayer will be taken into account when considering the application of any surcharge.
283. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
the most recent projected ultimate outturn at the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation in which he is the sole shareholder; and if the management of IBRC still believes there will be a return of funds to the State. [38496/12]
284. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
if the most recent projected ultimate outturn at the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation in which he is the sole shareholder takes account of the circa €13billion total lifetime interest that is presently payable on the €31billion of promissory notes originally provided to IBRC. [38497/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 283 and 284 together.
285. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
further to the EU summit statement on 29 June, 2012 which states similar cases will be treated equally, if he will set out the efforts that he has made to reverse the condition imposed on the State in July 2011, when a cut in interest rates on programme funding was made conditional on the State agreeing to participate constructively in the discussions on the Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base draft directive, CCCTB and in the structured discussions on tax policy issues in the framework of the Euro+ Pact framework in view of the fact that the cut in interest rates in July 2011 on Portugal’s programme funding was not conditional on any such potential concessions on tax arrangements. [38504/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
As a committed member of the European Union Ireland always participates constructively in discussions at EU level as that is the only way to ensure that issues of concern to the State can be considered. Any attempt to reverse our approach now would be counterproductive, especially in view of the critical role to be played by Ireland during our upcoming Presidency. The Euro Plus Pact comes under the aegis of the Department of the Taoiseach which coordinates the updating of Ireland's set of objectives under the Pact.
This is an agreement which applies to all of the euro area Member States - as well as Bulgaria, Denmark, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Romania - and its focus is primarily on areas that fall under national competence. The Pact refers to a commitment by Member States to engage in structured discussions on tax policy issues, for example, to ensure the exchange of best practices, and fight against fraud and tax evasion while acknowledging that direct taxation remains a national competence. There is no commitment in the Pact on CCCTB. It simply says that: "Developing a common corporate tax base could be a revenue neutral way forward to ensure consistency among national tax systems while respecting national tax strategies, and to contribute to fiscal sustainability and the competitiveness of European businesses. The Commission has presented a legislative proposal on a common consolidated corporate tax base". There is no conditionality placed on the commitment made by Ireland in this statement.
286. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
following the publication on 25 July 2012 of the National Asset Management Agency report and accounts for the three months ending 31 March 2012, the reason legal fees booked during the quarter of €23,000 were so low compared with the annual budget for 2012 of €25 million; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38505/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I am advised by NAMA that legal fees for the first quarter of 2012 are low relative to budget for a number of reasons. Some fees actually paid in the quarter related to legal work which was in progress at the end of 2011 and had been accrued in the Q4 2011 accounts. In addition, the budget of €25m for 2012 included prudent assumptions on potential litigation costs which have not to date emerged. In addition, some of the legal fees incurred by NAMA are regarded as recoverable from the debtor and do not form part of its administration expenses. NAMA's expectation is that the outturn for legal costs in 2012 will be significantly less than the €25 million budgeted.
287. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
following the publication on 25 July 2012 of the National Asset Management Agency report and accounts for the three months ending 31 March 2012, the reason the portfolio management fees booked during the quarter of €355,000 were so low compared with the annual budget for 2012 for receivers of €33 million. [38506/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
Portfolio Management Fees relate to the ongoing costs of managing the acquired loan portfolio, including fees incurred for the review of debtor business plans together with other fees relating to its portfolio management such as fees for valuations, asset searches, insolvency advice and ancillary property costs. Portfolio Management fees do not include costs relating to receivers appointed to NAMA debtors. These costs are deducted from proceeds realised from the receivership and disposal of the related property assets and, therefore, do not form part of NAMA's administration expenses but will impact on the Income statement as gains or losses on realisations.
288. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
following the publication on 25 July 2012 of the National Asset Management Agency report and accounts for the three months ending 31 March 2012, what the expense heading other administrative expenses which totals €317,000 for the quarter, relates to. [38507/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I am advised by NAMA that the expense category 'Other Administrative costs' comprises principally insurance premia, external project costs, bank fees and charges and sundry expenses.
289. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
further to Parliamentary Question 213 of 12 June, 2012 and following the publication on 25 July 2012 of the National Asset Management Agency report and accounts for the three months ending 31 March 2012, the proportion of loans that are now performing by reference to the original loan agreement. [38508/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I would like to direct the Deputy to page 9 of the NAMA Section 55 Report for the first quarter of 2012 which states that, as at 31 March 2012, 19% of the loans acquired by NAMA were classified as performing by reference to the nominal loan amount (i.e the original loan agreement). These include restructured loans. NAMA estimates that the loan restructures enhance the proportion of loans classified as performing loans by 2%. It should be noted that this classification of performance is primarily by reference to legacy loan facility obligations. It should be noted that the 19% cited above, translates to 29% by reference to acquired loan value.
290. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
further to Parliamentary Question No 217 of 12 June 2012, if he will confirm that when he refers to the term break even, he means the redemption in full by National Asset Management Agency of its senior debt, but that he does not mean the redemption in full by NAMA of its subordinated bonds which had a value of €1.595billion in July 2012. [38509/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
NAMA's primary commercial objective, as set out in Section 10 (2) of the Act, is to obtain the best achievable financial return for the State having regard to the cost of acquiring and dealing with bank assets and its own cost of capital and other costs. I am advised that the Board of NAMA aims to recover all costs incurred in acquiring and managing assets over the lifetime of NAMA and further aims to return a surplus to the Exchequer. In terms of the prioritisation of targets, it regards redemption of all Senior Bonds (which carry a State guarantee) and the recovery of carrying costs and capital expenditure as the objective which it must seek to achieve first. I am informed that redemption of subordinated debt is a major objective of the Board, in line with its statutory remit under Section 10 (2).
291. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
if on 1 March 2012, the National Asset Management Agency has, in respect of its subordinated bonds, declared any interest payable. [38510/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I am advised that the NAMA Board did not declare an interest coupon on the 1st March 2012 in respect of its subordinated bonds.
292. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
further to the issuance on 26 July 2012 of new five-year and eight-year bonds and the exchange of bonds maturing in 2013 and 2014, the reason for the bond issuance and exchange at this time in view of the healthy cash position and remaining Troika programme funding available; the use to which the new funding will be put in the short term, and if the funding is merely placed on deposit or used for the purchase of treasury notes, the interest rate that pertains to such uses. [38511/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
In order to enable Ireland to successfully exit the EU/IMF programme, the NTMA's working plan through 2012 has been to begin to return to the markets on a phased basis, mainly through shorter-term issuance, while also taking advantage of any opportunities to issue longer-term debt. The EU/IMF programme provides funding to the end of 2013. As at the end of 2011 the Irish State was faced with €11.9 billion of bonds maturing in January 2014, commonly referred to as the funding cliff.
293. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
of the 1,000 debtors / 850 debtor connections controlled by the National Asset Management Agency, if any are currently active judges within the Irish judiciary. [38512/12]
294. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
of the 1,000 debtors / 850 debtor connections controlled by the National Asset Management Agency, if any are current members of the Oireachtas. [38513/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 293 and 294 together.
295. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
in respect of interest rate hedging arrangements, if the National Asset Management Agency has pursuant to section 87 of the NAMA Act, excluded liability arising from the misselling of such arrangements when it acquired loans from the participating institutions. [38514/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I am informed by NAMA that, as regards derivative transactions acquired from the participating institutions, it is aware of no instances where liability might arise as a result of alleged misselling by the institutions concerned. However, NAMA informs me that, if any such cases should emerge as a result of investigations currently underway by the UK Financial Services Authority, NAMA has scope under Section 93 of the Act to claw back from the participating institutions any potential shortfall that might result to NAMA.
296. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
the number of residential units in the State which the National Asset Management Agency plans, either itself or via its receivers or its debtors, to construct on or on which to complete construction in 2012, 2013 and 2014. [38515/12]
297. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
the square footage of commercial units in the State which the National Asset Management Agency plans, either itself or via its receivers or its debtors, to construct on or on which to complete construction in 2012, 2013 and 2014. [38516/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 296 and 297 together.
298. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
following the uncovering of mis-selling of interest ratehedging products such as caps, collars, swaps and structured collars in banks in Britain, the steps taken by the Central Bank of Ireland and the Financial Regulator to assess if similar issues have arisen with the selling of similar products by banks operating here. [38517/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
Options, futures, swaps, forward rate agreements and any other derivative contracts relating to interest rates or yields are defined as financial instruments under the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID). Credit institutions are subject to the MiFID Regulations when providing services in such instruments. The Central Bank of Ireland is responsible for the supervision of such activities when they are provided to clients. Clients can be categorised as retail, professional or eligible counterparties. The recent incidents of alleged interest rate misselling in the UK appear mainly to directly involve professional or eligible counterparty clients. There are less onerous conduct of business obligations on the level of protections to be applied to professional or eligible counterparties than to retail clients. For example, eligible counterparties are not subject to the best execution protections.
299. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
if he will provide an explanation of the €25 million payment of promissory notes shown in the July 2012 Exchequer statement. [38518/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I am informed that the €25 million payment of promissory notes shown in the July 2012 Exchequer statement which the Deputy refers to relates to the EBS Building Society. The State has injected a total of €875 million in capital into this institution to meet regulatory requirements. Of the total amount, €625 million was by way of two separate subscriptions for Special Investment Shares while €250 million was provided by means of a Promissory Note. The terms of the Promissory Note provide, inter alia, that ten per cent of the amount outstanding as at the end of 2010 shall be paid each year (every 17 June) until the note is paid off in full. This payment was fully factored into the 2012 Exchequer deficit estimate. Under Eurostat rules the full amount of the Promissory Note was included in Ireland's General Government Deficit and Debt in 2010.
300. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
if he will provide an explanation of the €300.273 million receipts under the heading of Interest on Contingent Capital Notes shown in the July 2012 Exchequer statement. [38519/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I am informed that the €300.273 million in receipts shown in the July 2012 Exchequer statement relate to interest payments on the Contingent Capital Notes the State invested in AIB, BOI and PTSB as part of the recapitalisations completed in last year. In July 2011 the State purchased €3 billion in Contingent Capital Notes in these banks (€1.6 billion in AIB, €1 billion in BOI and €0.4 billion in PTSB) as part of the recapitalisations. These Contingent Capital Notes are subordinated Tier 2 debt instruments with a five year and one day maturity and are convertible into ordinary shares in the event of the bank's Core Tier 1 capital ratio falling below 8.25%. The Notes carry a fixed mandatory interest rate of 10% of the issue price payable annually.
The first of these payments which total €300.273 million was made to the Exchequer in July 2012.
301. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
if he will lay before the House, the latest accounts and projections of the Insurance Compensation Fund. [38520/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
Under Section 2(8) (b) of the 1964 Insurance Act, I am required to publish the annual accounts of the Insurance Compensation Fund. Up until this year, the Central Bank has published them on my behalf as part of its statistical review of the insurance industry. For 2011, I am proposing shortly to publish the accounts on my Department's website. I will also lay them before the Houses of the Oireachtas. The accounts outline amongst other things the amounts owing the ICF by all the companies under administration, i.e. Icarom plc (under administration), Primor plc (under administration) and Quinn Insurance Ltd (under administration). It is expected that the ICF will not have to advance any more funds to Primor, and the only funds that it will have to advance to Icarom relates to the last tranche of money due from AIB under the 20 year agreement negotiated in 1992 whereby they agreed to pay just over 11m euro a year to the Administrator.
302. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
his estimate of the total cost of rescuing Quinn Insurance; the consideration he has given to an inquiry into the finances of Quinn Insurance and the discharge of duties by auditors, Pricewaterhouse Coopers and Financial Regulator, Patrick Neary. [38521/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
The Joint Administrators of Quinn Insurance Ltd (QIL) have recently indicated to the High Court that they may have to seek up to €1.65bn from the Insurance Compensation Fund in order to fully discharge their administration obligations. It should be noted that they have qualified this by saying that for accounting reasons the projected call upon the fund now includes considerable contingencies that it is hoped will not be called upon. Consequently they believe that if they were to remove most of these accounting adjustments and use a "best estimate" calculation, then the call on the fund is likely to be in the range of €1.1bn-€1.3bn rather than the €1.65bn for which they have provided.
303. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
the number of employees that have resigned from the National Asset Management Agency since 1 January 2012; and the number of new employees engaged by NAMA from that date. [38523/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I am informed by NAMA that 28 new members of staff have joined NAMA since 1 January 2012 and that 15 members of staff have resigned.
304. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
the total cost of pension provisions for employees at the National Asset Management Agency in the 12 months ending December 2011; and the estimate of pension provisions at NAMA in the 12 months ending December 2012. [38524/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I am advised by NAMA that the total cost of pension provisions for NAMA staff in the 12 months ending December 2011 was €1.8m, as disclosed in note 36 of NAMA's 2011 audited financial statements. All NAMA staff are employed by the NTMA and the cost of pension provision represents the employer contributions made by the NTMA to the NTMA Pension Scheme on behalf of staff assigned to NAMA. NAMA estimates that employer contributions for the 12 months ending December 2012 will be €2.5m. All NAMA staff are subject to the public sector pension levy.
305. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
if he will lay before the Houses of the Oireachtas a copy of the National Asset Management Agency’s procedures and employment contract extracts which set out to deal with potential conflicts of interest, or the assurance that the use of confidential or privileged information garnered by employees in the course of their work at NAMA is not used for their personal benefit, or for the benefit of family or associates. [38526/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I am informed by NAMA that all of its officers are provided with a copy of the Code of Practice – Conduct of Officers of NAMA when they are assigned to NAMA and they are required to sign an undertaking that they have read, understood and will comply with it. This document, which is published on www.nama.ie, sets out in detail the obligations of officers of NAMA with respect to confidentiality and conflicts of interest including statutory obligations regarding confidentiality and use of information including their obligation under the Official Secrets Act 1963. The document is reviewed annually by the Board of NAMA and circulated annually to officers of NAMA, who are required to sign an undertaking on each occasion that they have read, understood and will comply with it.
The Code was first approved by the Minister for Finance on 5 July 2010 and any changes made as a result of the Board's annual review are also subject to the Minister's approval. In addition, those officers of NAMA who are holders of designated positions of employment under the Ethics in Public Office Act 1995 as amended by the Standards in Public Office Act 2001 ("the Ethics Acts") are notified in January each year of their obligations under the Ethics Acts. NAMA requires its entire staff to complete a disclosure under Section 42 of the NAMA Act outlining all assets, liabilities and interests which they hold. Each employee is also required to inform the CEO of NAMA of any changes to their disclosure and to immediately inform the CEO of any matter that could raise a question about their suitability to act (or continue to act) as an officer of NAMA or that could result in an actual or potential conflict of interest with respect to their duties or obligations as an officer of NAMA.
306. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
the number of properties that have been sold by the National Asset Management Agency, its receivers or debtors to NAMA employees, former NAMA employees, their families and associates, and the total value of such sales. [38527/12]
307. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
the consideration that has been given by the National Asset Management Agency to adopting practices from other State asset management agencies, such as the US Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, which ban outright any dealings in agency property by employees. [38528/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 306 and 307 together.
308. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
if any employees seconded by the National Treasury Management Agency to the National Asset Management Agency that have resigned from either organisation, and who have subsequently been engaged by organisations which have purchased property from NAMA, its receivers and developers or which have met with NAMA to express interest in the purchase of property. [38530/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I am informed by NAMA that it does not, in all cases, have information on the identity of employers who recruited staff following their resignation from the Agency as some former staff have taken up employment overseas. However, in cases where NAMA has such information, NAMA is satisfied that no sales transactions have taken place between the entities involved and NAMA, its debtors or receivers appointed by it. The number of meetings between NAMA staff and entities involved in property financing, investment or development runs into hundreds per year. Many meetings between NAMA staff and external parties, of necessity, involve such parties expressing an interest in NAMA and its activities.
309. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
the safeguards that the National Asset Management Agency has in place to prevent confidential or privileged knowledge acquired during the course of employment at NAMA being subsequently used by departing employees when they begin work with a new employer. [38531/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
Staff assigned to NAMA by the NTMA are bound by a number of statutory obligations in respect of the confidentiality of information to which they have access by virtue of their employment by NAMA. These include obligations imposed under Section 14 (1) of the National Treasury Management Agency Act 1990 and under Section 202 of the NAMA Act 2009. NAMA staff are also subject to the provisions of the Official Secrets Act 1963. Contravention of these statutory obligations constitute criminal offences.
Under Section 7 of the NAMA Act, a person who commits such an offence is liable
310. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
the quantum of fees paid to date, by the National Asset Management Agency in respect of the State guarantee on €25billion-plus of NAMA bonds; and if no such fees have been paid, the basis on which State guarantee has been provided. [38532/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I am informed by NAMA that no fees are payable arising from the State guarantee granted in respect of Senior Notes issued by NAMA. As the Deputy is aware NAMA was established in late 2009 as part of the Irish authorities' response to the financial crisis. It formed part of a wider set of measures taken to address the liquidity and solvency issues of systemically important Irish Banks. NAMA continues to make an effective and vigorous contribution to national recovery.
311. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
the consideration that has been given to the merger of the National Asset Management Agency with the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation; and the scope for reducing competition between the two State owned entities for resources and customers, and potential savings to the combined annual operating costs of €400-500million. [38533/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
NAMA and IBRC are actively engaged in reducing their respective portfolio of debts and debtors. They are not in direct competition with each other for customers and resources. The board of NAMA and the IBRC actively monitor all cost headings and are driving efficiencies and substantial savings through their procurement processes. Due to funding and operational considerations it is not considered appropriate to merge the two agencies at this time.
312. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
the quantum of maximum potential additional costs that the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation may incur, should IBRC’s appeal against the 27 July 2012 decision by the High Court in England in respect of the application by Assenagon Asset Management SA, fail and if IBRC is exposed to claims from other holders of subordinated notes. [38547/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
As the Deputy notes IBRC is appealing the decision of the High Court in England in relation to this matter. It would be inappropriate for me to comment on the likely outcome of that appeal or the potential impact of the judgment while the appeal is on-going.
Question No. 313 answered with Question No. 194.
314. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
if the National Pension Reserve Fund has received the independent valuation review, referred to in its Quarter One 2012 review, of its share holding in Allied Irish Bank and Bank of Ireland; and if it has, if he will provide the independent valuation of the NPRF’s shareholding in AIB and Bank of Ireland. [38615/12]
315. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
the most recent valuation of the State’s share holdings in the covered institutions including Bank of Ireland, Allied Irish Bank and Permanent TSB in tabular form; and the basis and dates of such valuations. [38616/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 314 and 315 together.
317. Deputy Brendan Smith
asked the Minister for Finance
if a register of all pension schemes approved by the Revenue Commissioners exists; and if so, the statutory agency with which such a register is held; if the relevant legislation covering this can be referred to; the Department that is currently responsible for same; and if the register is available to the public and the information headings under which data is published for each scheme. [38664/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I assume that the Deputy’s reference to pension schemes relates to occupational pension schemes established by employers on behalf of their employees. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that they maintain a database of all employers who have occupational pension schemes approved by them. The statutory requirements relating to applications for approval of such schemes are contained in Part 30, Chapter 1 and Schedule 23 of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997.
An application for the approval of any retirement benefits scheme must be made in writing by the administrator of the scheme to the Revenue Commissioners (in such form and manner as they may specify) before the end of the first year of assessment for which approval is required, and must be supported by-
(a)a copy of the instrument or other document constituting the scheme,
(b)a copy of the rules of the scheme and, except where the application is being made on the setting up of the scheme, a copy of the accounts of the scheme for the last year for which such accounts have been made up, and
(c)such other information and particulars (including copies of any actuarial report or advice given to the administrator or employer in connection with the setting up of the scheme) as the Revenue Commissioners may consider relevant.
Details of the Revenue Commissioners database of approved employer pension schemes are not publicly available due to Revenue’s obligations to taxpayer confidentiality.
I am also informed that the Pensions Board maintains a register of occupational pension schemes, all of which are approved by the Revenue Commissioners. The trustees of such schemes must (in accordance with Section 60 of the Pensions Act, 1990) register with the Pensions Board within one year of their commencement date. This register is not available to the public. The annual report published by the Pensions Board details the total number of registrations within that year along with the accumulated number of schemes and active members since inception. This information includes both defined benefit (subject to funding standard), defined benefit (not subject to the funding standard) and defined contribution schemes and indicates the range of active scheme membership.
318. Deputy Kevin Humphreys
asked the Minister for Finance
when the Report from the Office of the Revenue Commissioners showing the effect of the High Earners Restriction for 2011 will be published; the changes that have occurred, if any, to the restriction between 2010 and 2011; the changes, if any, that were introduced in the most recent Finance Bill; if he will provide this Deputy with a copy of the Report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38718/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
It is anticipated that the report for 2011 on the high income individuals’ restriction will be published around the middle of next year. Information relating to individuals who were subject to the restriction in 2011 will only start to be submitted to the Revenue Commissioners in November 2012 when taxpayers file their tax returns for 2011. Following receipt of the 2011 tax returns, it will be necessary for the Revenue Commissioners to extract and analyse information relating to individuals who were subject to the restriction before they will be in a position to commence work on the compilation of the 2011 report. I expect to receive the 2011 report around the middle of 2013. The most recent report by the Revenue Commissioners analysing the high income individuals’ restriction is in respect of the 2010 tax year. This report, which was published by my Department on 1 August 2012 and is available on the Department’s Tax Policy website http://www.taxpolicy.gov.ie, reflects the changes made to the restriction in Finance Act 2010. Those changes extended the restriction to a greater number of individuals by reducing the income threshold at which the restriction applies from €250,000 to €125,000 and by reducing the relief threshold from €250,000 to €80,000. The objective of these changes was to achieve an average effective rate of income tax of 30 per cent where the restriction applies in full. This effective rate does not include amounts payable in respect of PRSI and other levies and charges i.e. the Income Levy and Health Levy which applied in the tax year 2010 and the Universal Social Charge which applies from the tax year 2011.
The 2010 report indicates that the number of individuals who were subject to the restriction in that year increased to 1,544, up from 452 in 2009. The additional tax payable by these individuals because of the restriction was €80.18 million, up from €38.86 million in 2009. This additional tax represents almost a doubling of the tax that would otherwise have been payable if the restriction had not applied.
No significant changes have been made to the restriction since 2010. However, in Finance Act 2011, the successor to the Business Expansion Scheme i.e. the Employment and Investment Incentive, was added to the list of reliefs covered by the restriction. Likewise, in Finance Act 2012, the new relief introduced under section 12 of that Act, in relation to income earned in certain foreign states, was also added to the list of restricted reliefs. Additionally, a technical amendment relating to the calculation of balancing charges was made by section 16 of the Finance Act 2012 to ensure that unused allowances coming forward from previous years are not treated as specified reliefs for the purposes of the restriction where they are netted-off against the gross amount of a balancing charge.
Apart from these direct changes to the legislation dealing with the high income individuals’ restriction, changes to individual reliefs that are subject to the restriction have also been made. For example, under section 17 of the Finance Act 2011, the amount of exempt income that an artist can have disregarded for tax purposes was capped at a maximum of €40,000 with effect from the tax year 2011. Finally, under section 3 of the Finance Act 2012, a surcharge of 5 per cent on income sheltered by property reliefs was introduced for taxpayers with an aggregate income of €100,000 or more.
319. Deputy Kevin Humphreys
asked the Minister for Finance
if he will outline each age exemption limit that exists within the income tax system and the estimated cost to the Exchequer of each of these exemptions in a full tax year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38720/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
The position is that section 188 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides for exemption limits for individuals aged 65 or over. For married individuals or civil partners, where either spouse or civil partner is aged 65 or over at any time during the tax year, the exemption limit is €36,000. In the case of single persons, widowed persons, and married persons or civil partners assessed as single persons, who at any time during the tax year are aged 65 or over, the exemption limit is €18,000. In addition, these exemption limits are increased by €575 in respect of each of the first 2 qualifying children and by €830 in respect of each subsequent qualifying child.
The section also provides for marginal relief where an individual’s total income exceeds the exemption limit applicable to that individual, but does not exceed a sum equal to twice that limit. Where marginal relief applies, the individual is taxed at 40% on all income above the exemption limits to a ceiling of twice the exemption limit. Once the income exceeds twice the exemption limit, marginal relief is no longer available and the individual pays tax under the normal tax system. It should be noted, however, that where the individual’s income is greater than the exemption limit but below twice that limit, the taxpayer is always given the benefit of the more favourable treatment between the use of marginal relief or the normal tax system. Exemption limits for persons aged less that 65 years ceased to apply with effect from 1 January 2008.
Deposit Interest Retention Tax (DIRT) is deducted at the source from interest paid on most deposits held by Financial Institutions such as Banks, Building Societies, the Post Office Savings Bank and Credit Unions. Where an individual, or an individual’s spouse or civil partner, is aged 65 or over during the tax year and, the indivdual’s income (or the joint income of the individual and his or her spouse or civil partner) is below the relevant annual exemption limit then he or she can apply directly to the financial institution concerned to have the interest paid without deduction of DIRT. Further information on all tax credits, reliefs and exemptions for over 65s is available from the Revenue website at the following link: http://www.revenue.ie/en/tax/it/leaflets/it45.html#section1
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the full year cost of the age exemption limits and the associated marginal relief, estimated by reference 2012 incomes, is provisionally estimated at €87 million. This is an estimate from the Revenue tax-forecasting model using actual data for the year 2010 adjusted as necessary for income and employment trends in the interim. It is therefore provisional and likely to be revised.
I am also advised by the Revenue Commissioners that sufficiently detailed figures are not captured on the statutory return of Deposit Interest Retention Tax (DIRT) filed by financial institutions in such a way as to provide a basis for compiling estimates of the impact on the Exchequer from the DIRT exemption.
Question No. 320 answered with Question No. 243.
321. Deputy Joanna Tuffy
asked the Minister for Finance
if he will re-examine an application for incapacitated child allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38758/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that further to the Deputy’s question on 28 June 2012, they have re-examined the claim following receipt of additional information from the person in question. Revenue have determined that the applicant does not have an entitlement to the Incapacitated Child Credit as she does not meet the conditions in accordance with Section 465 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. As advised in the reply to the question on 28 June 2012, the person in question may appeal the decision to the Appeal Commissioners. This is done by giving notice in writing setting out the basis on which the appeal is made to the person’s local Inspector of Taxes, within 30 days of the date of the determination by Revenue. The address for the local Inspector of Taxes is South County Revenue District, The Plaza Complex, Belgard Rd., Tallaght, Dublin 24.
322. Deputy Jack Wall
asked the Minister for Finance
if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare has any outstanding tax liabilities for 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38766/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that based on the returns submitted, the person concerned does not have any outstanding income tax or capital gains tax liabilities for 2005.
323. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
the current rate of deposit interest retention tax; the way DIRT is applied; and the sum that could be raised for the Exchequer if DIRT was increased by five percentage points. [38777/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that since 1 January 2012 Deposit Interest Retention Tax (DIRT) is deducted at the rate of 30% from deposit interest. In addition a DIRT rate of 33% applies to interest that is not paid at annual or more frequent intervals or where the interest cannot be calculated until the maturity of the investment. This would include investments such as tracker bonds where the amount of interest payable depends on the changes in a financial or other index over a number of years. The rates of DIRT have been increased on a number of occasions in recent years as shown in the table:
Historic DIRT Rates
| Period | Standard Rate | Non Standard Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2011 | 27% | 30% |
| 8 April 2009 to 31 December 2010 | 25% | 28% |
| 1 January 2009 to 7 April 2009 | 23% | 26% |
| 1 January 2002 to 31 December 2008 | 20% | 23% |
324. Deputy Peter Mathews
asked the Minister for Finance
his views on whether the Central Bank of Ireland regulates all providers of pensions and financial services in accordance with the law; his views on whether the current laws are adequate to protect investors in pensions and financial services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38783/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
The Central Bank is responsible for the regulation of regulated financial service providers. Pension schemes or products are not regulated by the Central Bank but are separately regulated by the Pensions Board under the aegis of the Minister for Social Protection. The Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Bill 2011 is currently before the Oireachtas. The Bill strengthens the ability of the Central Bank to impose and supervise compliance with regulatory requirements and to undertake timely prudential interventions. It also provides the Central Bank with greater access to information and analysis and will underpin the credible enforcement of Irish financial services legislation in line with international best practice.
325. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
the amount that will be paid in debt related interest in 2013; and the amount of this interest that can be attributed to debt acquired by the State as a result of banking recapitalisation. [38789/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
State support for the banking sector to date has amounted to approximately €64.2 billion, which includes Exchequer payments of €12.6 billion, Promissory Note payments in respect of IBRC and EBS of €30.9 billion and €20.7 billion has been provided from the NPRF. The Deputy should be aware that the Exchequer is funded by tax and non-tax revenue and borrowings. No specific tranches of borrowing were undertaken solely for the purpose of recapitalising the banking sector. Therefore, it is not possible to accurately quantify that part of the debt servicing bill that relates to the borrowing undertaken to recapitalise the banks. With regard to the amount of debt related interest that will be paid in 2013, the Stability Programme Update published in April 2012 provides the most recent estimates for debt interest expenditure. It forecast that interest expenditure on the National Debt to be paid from the Exchequer in 2013 would be approximately €7 billion. Separately, Promissory Note payments from the Exchequer of €3.1 billion which is comprised of capital and interest payments are profiled in 2013.
326. Deputy Michael McGrath
asked the Minister for Finance
if he will confirm, following receipt by Revenue of correspondence from a person (details supplied) in County Cork, that they are now registered as a PAYE employee since January 2011 and that the MED1 claim by the person for 2011 will be considered accordingly. [38825/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the person from whom the correspondence was received was at one time registered as a company director, but is now registered as a PAYE employee with effect from January 2011. The medical expenses claim submitted by him (MED 1) has now been processed accordingly.
327. Deputy Dominic Hannigan
asked the Minister for Finance
if a person can claim health expenses against tax by claiming for small portions of the overall expenditure of the health expense over a period of years so as to maximise the tax benefit to the person; if there is any way of claiming against the universal social charge in a similar manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38836/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
The position is that Section 469 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides for relief in respect of qualifying expenses incurred in the provision of health care in a tax year against the tax paid by an individual for that year. Where an individual defrays the cost of health care over two or more years the individual can elect either to have the relief for the expenses allowed in the year in which the payment for the expenses was made or the year in which the health care was provided.
Section 469 provides for the granting of relief in a tax year to the extent that the relief allowed reduces the individual’s tax liability for that year to nil. It is not possible to apportion the cost of health care incurred in one year of assessment over a number of subsequent years to maximize the relief available, other than in circumstances where the payment for that care is paid by installments over the later years.
Health expenses relief is only available for expenses that have been incurred by the individual which have not been reimbursed, directly or indirectly, from any other person or estate, any public authority or any contract of insurance or means of compensation. There is no relief against Universal Social Charge (USC) for health expenses incurred. Further details in relation to relief for health expenses is set out in leaflet IT6 which is available on the Revenue website at http://www.revenue.ie/en/tax/it/leaflets/it6.html
328. Deputy Dominic Hannigan
asked the Minister for Finance
if he will outline, in tabular form, both the number and the percentage of women and men on State boards under the aegis of his Department in each of the past ten years; if he will provide the most up-to-date figures available regarding the number and percentage of women and men on State boards under the aegis of his Department in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38857/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
The information requested by the Deputy is as follows.
The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council
The Board has 5 members, one of whom is female. This equates to 80% male and 20% female. The Council was established in July 2011. For the avoidance of doubt, there have been no changes in the membership of the Council since its establishment.
Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal
The following are the details regarding composition of the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal since 2002
2002 – 1 female 2 males = 33.33% female membership 67.67% male membership.
2003 - 1 female 2 males = 33.33% female membership 67.67% male membership.
2004 – 2 females 3 males = 40% female membership 60% male membership.
2005 – 5 females 10 males = 33.33% female membership 66.67% male membership.
2006 – 5 females 12 males = 29% female membership 71% male membership.
2007 – 7 females 8 males = 46.67% female membership 53.33% male membership.
2008 – 7 females 8 males = 46.67% female membership 53.33% male membership.
2009 - 7 females 8 males = 46.67% female membership 53.33% male membership.
2010 – 2 males 3 females = 40% male membership 60% female membership.
2011 – 2 males 3 females = 40% male membership 60% female membership.
2012 - 2 males 3 females = 40% male membership 60% female membership.
Credit Union Restructuring Board
The Credit Union Restructuring Board was established on 31st August 2012. This is the only State Board on the Credit Union side in the last 10 years. Details are set out below:
The Credit Union Restructuring Board
13 Members
2 Female members (15%)
11 Male members (85%)
Chair is Male
| Name of Body | Central Bank of Ireland |
| Year | Number of Women | Percentage | Number of Men | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 1 | 7.69% | 12 | 92.31% |
| 2004 | 1 | 7.69% | 12 | 92.31% |
| 2005 | 1 | 7.69% | 12 | 92.31% |
| 2006 | 1 | 7.69% | 12 | 92.31% |
| 2007 | 1 | 7.69% | 12 | 92.31% |
| 2008 | 1 | 7.69% | 12 | 92.31% |
| 2009 | 1 | 8.33% | 11 | 91.67% |
| 2010* to 30/9/2010 | 1 | 8.33% | 11 | 91.67% |
| 2010* from 1/10/2010 | 1 | 11.11% | 8 | 88.89% |
| 2011 | 1 | 10.00% | 9 | 90.00% |
| 2012 | 1 | 11.11% | 8 | 88.89% |
329. Deputy Paschal Donohoe
asked the Minister for Finance
his plans to introduce an essential user diesel rebate scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38870/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
As the Deputy is aware a working group was set up between officials of my Department, the IRHA and members of the Oireachtas. This working group had a series of meetings to discuss issues of concern to the haulage industry. I have recently received a submission from the group and I am considering the matters raised.
Questions Nos. 330 and 331 answered with Question No. 202.
332. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
if he has contacted the Revenue service regarding the implementation of a property tax. [38925/12]
333. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
the steps the Revenue service are undertaking in preparation for the implementation of a property tax. [38927/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 332 and 333 together.
334. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
the amount spent on mortgage interest relief in 2011. [38928/12]
335. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
the amount estimated to be spent on mortgage interest relief in 2012 and 2013 respectively. [38929/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 334 and 335 together.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the cost to the Exchequer of mortgage interest relief for principal private residences by way of tax relief at source (TRS) in each of the years 2011 to 2012 inclusive is as follows:
| Tax Year | Cost €m |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 357.3 |
| 2012 (8 months) | 267.3* |
336. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
the estimated value of the Irish residential mortgage book; and if there is a breakdown of mortgages by value on a year by year uptake from 2002 to date in 2012. [38930/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
Figures available from the Central Bank show that the total outstanding credit advanced to Irish resident private households for house purchase is 80,012 million euro as at June 2012. These figures are available on http://www.centralbank.ie/polstats/stats/cmab/Pages/HouseholdCredit.aspx I have requested a breakdown of mortgages by value on a year by year uptake from 2002 to date in 2012 and will forward to the Deputy once received from the Central Bank. The table shows the total outstanding credit advanced to Irish resident private households for house purchase from March 2003 to June 2012.
Millions euro | ||
|---|---|---|
2003 | Mar | 45,527 |
Jun | 47,185 | |
Sep | 50,924 | |
2003 | Dec | 54,992 |
2004 | Mar | 58,246 |
Jun | 62,268 | |
Sep | 69,065 | |
2004 | Dec | 73,706 |
2005 | Mar | 77,216 |
Jun | 82,645 | |
Sep | 88,543 | |
2005 | Dec | 94,718 |
2006 | Mar | 100,554 |
Jun | 104,897 | |
Sep | 108,580 | |
2006 | Dec | 111,303 |
2007 | Mar | 113,084 |
Jun | 116,434 | |
Sep | 121,243 | |
2007 | Dec | 123,722 |
2008 | Mar | 125,091 |
Jun | 121,260 | |
Sep | 123,726 | |
2008 | Dec | 114,978 |
2009 | Mar | 114,266 |
Jun | 114,306 | |
Sep | 110,146 | |
2009 | Dec | 110,210 |
2010 | Mar | 109,434 |
Jun | 107,676 | |
Sep | 107,813 | |
2010 | Dec | 99,578 |
2011 | Mar | 98,851 |
Jun | 98,335 | |
Sep | 97,964 | |
2011 | Dec | 80,396 |
2012 | Mar | 79,874 |
Jun | 80,012 |
337. Deputy Michael McGrath
asked the Minister for Finance
the position regarding correspondence sent by a person (details supplied) in County Cork to the Revenue Commissioners regarding an income tax matter. [38937/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the correspondence referred to in the Deputy’s question has been dealt with and that an Amended Tax Credit Certificate was issued to the individual on 5 September 2012. If tax has been over deducted in 2012, this will be refunded by the pension provider.
338. Deputy Willie Penrose
asked the Minister for Finance
if he has concluded the public consultation process on dealing with the rules pertaining to tax exiles; and the considerations he will take to change these rules to ensure they are more stringent. [38939/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
The Programme for Government indicated that, as part of its fiscal policy, the Government will ensure that “tax exiles” make a fair contribution to the Exchequer. In Budget 2012 I abolished the “citizenship condition” for payment of the Domicile Levy to ensure that individuals could not avoid the levy by renouncing their citizenship. I also stated that I intend to keep the contentious issue of the tax treatment of “tax exiles” (which is linked to the tax residence rules) under constant review. The Programme for Government update in March 2012 confirmed the commitment to undertake a consultation process on residence issues in 2012 to inform preparation for further changes in 2013.
339. Deputy Terence Flanagan
asked the Minister for Finance
her views on a query regarding the universal social charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38980/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
The position is that the Government has fulfilled its commitment in the Programme for Government to carry out a review of the Universal Social Charge (USC). The Terms of Reference of the Review were broad and wide-ranging and included the following areas:
·Low paid income earners;
·Persons over 65;
·Medical Card Holders;
·Widows/Widowers;
·Self-employed;
·Public Service Pensioners;
·Employer contributions to PRSAs; and
·Any other issues (including any operational issues that have arisen in the administration of the charge).
The Review of the USC was published on my Department’s website on 23 January 2011. It can be obtained at www.finance.gov.ie.
As a result of the review, I increased the annual exemption threshold from €4,004 to €10,036 per annum with effect from 1 January 2012. It should be noted that the cost of proving this relief was offset by switching the collection of the USC from a week 1 basis to a cumulative basis from 1 January 2012. To provide further exemptions along the lines sought could not be justified given the current budgetary position.
340. Deputy Terence Flanagan
asked the Minister for Finance
the action he is taking to address the level of rejections for loans and overdrafts to small and medium sized businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39061/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
The banking system restructuring plan creates capacity for the two Pillar Banks, Bank of Ireland and AIB, to provide lending in excess of €30 billion from the period 2011-2013. SME and new mortgage lending for these banks is expected to be in the range of €16-20bn over this period. This lending capacity is incorporated into the banks’ deleveraging plans which allow for repayment of Central Bank funding through asset run-off and disposals over the period to 2013. The Government has imposed SME lending targets on the two domestic pillar banks for the three calendar years, 2011 to 2013. Both banks were required to sanction lending, including lending for working capital purposes, of at least €3 billion in 2011, €3.5 billion this year and €4 billion in 2013 for new or increased credit facilities to SMEs. Both banks achieved their 2011 targets.
341. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan
asked the Minister for Finance
if consideration has been given to amending the existing rules and regulations covering pension funds and the pension industry to allow for the early release of funds from pensions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39135/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
There are a number of reasons why, under existing policies, early withdrawals of pension savings are not permitted, the principal one being that pension schemes and plans (and the associated tax reliefs) are designed as long term savings vehicles based on the principle that the savings will be “locked away” until retirement. Otherwise, there would be little reason to treat pension savings more favourably from a tax point of view than other general savings. A number of proposals have been made that individuals should be allowed access to their pension savings prior to retirement. Various rationales have been advanced to justify these proposals including that such access would allow those individuals to pay down mortgage and other debt and would otherwise provide a boost to economic activity.
342. Deputy Anne Ferris
asked the Minister for Finance
the steps he is taking to ensure that State boards have at least 40% of each gender, as provided for in the Programme for Government; the percentage at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39153/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
In response to the Deputy’s question, information of membership of State Boards is as follows.
NTMA Advisory Committee
The Board consists of 83% per cent male membership and 17% female membership.
Membership is as follows:
David Byrne
Tytti Noras (F)
Donald C Roth
Hugh Cooney
John Moran
Vacancy
NPRF Commission
The Board consists of 86% per cent male membership and 14% per cent female membership.
Membership is as follows:
Paul Carty
John A Canning Jnr
Brian Hillary
Maurice Keane
Knut N. Kjaer
Frances Ruane (F)
John Corrigan
SCA Policy Committee
The Board consists of 71% per cent male membership and 29% per cent female membership.
Membership is as follows:
Noel Whelan (Chairman),
Niamh Moran (F)
Tony Delany
Christopher Moore
Ms. Wendy Thompson (F)
Mr. Charlie Hardy
Mr. Fachtna Murphy
NDFA Board
The Board consists of 75% per cent male membership and 25% per cent female membership.
Membership is as follows:
John Corrigan
Brian Murphy
Ann Fitzgerald (F)
Anthony Jones
Peter McManamon
Gerry Murphy
Petrina Smyth (F)
Robert Watt
NAMA
The Board currently has 8 board members one of which is a woman. This represents 87.5% per cent male membership and 12.5% per cent female membership of the Board.
Irish Fiscal Advisory Council
– Current gender breakdown – 80% male and 20% female.
Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal
-Current gender breakdown - 3 male members of the Board.
-This represents 60% per cent male membership of the Board.
-Currently 2 female members of the Board.
-This represents 40% per cent female membership of the Board.
The Fiscal Responsibility Bill 2012 provides that the Minister for Finance shall, when appointing members to the Council, to the extent practicable, ensure an appropriate balanced between men and women in the membership of the Council (Schedule – paragraph 1(3)(a)). Under the Bill, the current members of the Council will become the first members of the statutory Council but with varying terms of office in order to set up a rotation of appointments. As and when new appointments are being made, the provision outlined above will apply.
343. Deputy Tom Fleming
asked the Minister for Finance
if he will consider introducing a non-complex system of a 5% income tax increase on those earning in excess of €125,000 in view of the fact that he has already ascertained in a reply to a parliamentary question, that the projected figure of half a billion euros generated from this initiative would be equivalent to the revenue generated by a property tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39163/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
The position is that the Government is committed to introducing a property tax under the Memorandum of Understanding with the European Commission, the European Central Bank, and the International Monetary Fund. In addition, as the Deputy is aware, the Programme for Government states that as part of the Government’s fiscal strategy we will maintain the current rates of income tax together with bands and credits.
344. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan
asked the Minister for Finance
the number of residential units that have been made available by the National Assets Management Agency for lease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39167/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I am advised by NAMA that it does not own or manage the properties securing its loans. Its best estimate is that, of the residential units which are under the control of its debtors and receivers, some 9,200 units are currently rented and about 4,000 are vacant. I am advised that a substantial number of these vacant units are close to being made habitable and will shortly be available for sale or rent, depending on the detail of the asset disposal and asset management plans which have been agreed with individual debtors and receivers. NAMA has made available a list of 3,200 residential properties to the Department of the Environment and the Housing Agency which are available to be selected by them for leasing in the future.
345. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Finance
if he will review the decision to refuse a primary medical certificate in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39183/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
The initial application for a Primary Medical Certificate under the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994, is made to the Senior Medical Officer of the relevant local Health Service Executive administrative area. If the Primary Medical Certificate is refused, the person may appeal the refusal to the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal, National Rehabilitation Hospital, Rochestown Avenue, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. I understand the named person has appealed the decision of the Senior Medical Officer not to grant a Primary Medical Certificate and a date has been set for this appeal hearing. I would point out that the Medical Board of Appeal is independent in the exercise of its functions.
346. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
the current value of shares held by the State in Irish banks; and when negotiations will begin in Europe on Irish banking debt. [39235/12]
347. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
if this State will be setting a minimum value for which it is willing to sell Irish bank shares to the ESM, if such a policy is to be pursued. [39236/12]
348. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
if a study has been undertaken to ascertain the long term economic value of current shares held by the State in Irish banks. [39237/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 346 to 348, inclusive, together.
349. Deputy Terence Flanagan
asked the Minister for Finance
if esoteric assets were considered as an alternative to the recently launched National Treasury Management Agency bonds; if they were not considered if they will be in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39264/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
I am advised by the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) that in general, and in line with other sovereign issuers, the NTMA aims to issue debt instruments which are liquid, transparent and can be readily priced and understood. These key features assist in attracting a wider pool of investors which is beneficial both in terms of volume and price. Debt instruments based on esoteric assets are illiquid and difficult to price or value and may lead to significantly higher costs of borrowing. The NTMA is open to developing new and innovative forms of debt investment, as evidenced by the recent issue of Amortising Bonds in response to demand from a particular cohort of investors, namely pension funds and annuity providers. However the agency is conscious that any non-standard bond issuance must be considered with the broader investor base in mind and must not deviate or be perceived to deviate from well-established principles and investor expectations.
Question No. 350 answered with Question No. 195.
351. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Finance
the number of State bodies that have been set up since 9 March 2011; the rationale behind these decisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39997/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
The information requested by the Deputy is as follows:
New Economy and Recovery Authority (NewERA) was established within the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA). It has not yet been set up as a statuary body.
The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council was established on a non-statutory basis on 7 July 2011 as part of a wider agenda of reform of Ireland’s budgetary architecture. The establishment of the Council was also required under the EU/IMF Programme and it is one of the commitments in the Programme for Government. The Council will be put on a statutory basis later this year when the Fiscal Responsibility Bill 2012, which provides for the implementation of the Fiscal Stability Treaty in domestic legislation, is passed by the Oireachtas and enacted.
352. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Finance
if he will provide a list of the payments made by the State to private land owners in 2010 and 2011 to acquire land for use in the public capital programme. [40010/12]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan):
The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform has asked me to respond to the above question in respect of my Department. No such payments have been made by my Department or by the Offices and Agencies under the remit of my Department during 2010 or 2011. I also note that payments made as part of the normal commercial business of the banks under State ownership do not constitute State payments to private land owners.
354. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37806/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
As I announced last December, the means test for student grants will be amended to take account of the value of certain capital assets as well as income for the 2013/14 academic year. The Deputy will be aware that a dedicated capital asssets test implementation group was established to bring forward detailed implementation proposals on new means testing arrangements for student grants, to include the value of assets, for new applicants from the 2013/14 academic year. The report of the implementation group, which I expect to have shortly, will make recommendations on the treatment of various classes of assets. Any proposals in this regards will require Government agreement and necessitate legislative amendment.
355. Deputy Jack Wall
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the reason home tuition hours have been withdrawn in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38877/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
The Home Tuition Scheme provides funding to parents to provide for education at home for children who, for a number of reasons such as chronic illness, are unable to attend school. The scheme was extended in recent years to facilitate tuition for children awaiting a suitable educational placement including eligible pre-school children with an autistic spectrum disorder. The child to whom the Deputy refers is not eligible for home tuition as he is enrolled in a school. My Department has no record of receiving a Home Tuition application for this child for the 2012/13 school year.
356. Deputy Jerry Buttimer
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
his plans to change the college entry requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36999/12]
414. Deputy Joanna Tuffy
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
his plans to implement the recommendation of the Points Commission Report in 2000 that colleges be obliged to publish the number of places available on courses those colleges offer through the CAO, in order to lead to more transparency and accountability regarding the way public funding is being used by colleges for third level education and also help inform public policy in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38269/12]
470. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if he is considering adapting the leaving certificate points system to a ranking system based on relative performance as proposed by Irish university presidents in their recent report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39354/12]
471. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if he is considering changing the number of leaving certificate grades from 14 to 8 as recommended by Irish university presidents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39355/12]
472. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if he is considering adopting a move towards greater common entry for third level courses to take some of the pressure off the point race; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39356/12]
473. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if he is considering incentivising other strategically important leaving certificate subjects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39357/12]
474. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if he is considering introducing an examination in mathematics and Irish at the end of fifth year as recommended by Irish university presidents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39358/12]
475. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if he is considering reviewing the date of publication of leaving certificate results as recommended by Irish university presidents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39359/12]
476. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if he is considering introducing a graduate entry only level for certain professional courses as recommended by the Irish university presidents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39360/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 356, 414 and 470 to 476, inclusive, together.
357. Deputy Jerry Buttimer
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if he will instruct the Teaching Council to recognise degrees in engineering, which are by their very nature dominated by mathematics, for the purposes of registration of mathematics teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37000/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
The statutory responsibility for the determination of the education, training and qualifications required for a person to be registered as a teacher rests with the Teaching Council. Therefore I do not have a direct role in the matter. The requirements for registration with the Teaching Council are set out in its 2009 Registration Regulations which are available on its website www.teachingcouncil.ie. Currently, there is a large range of engineering courses which are recognised for the purposes of the teaching of mathematics/applied mathematics. However, the experience of the Council is that many engineering programmes cover mathematical concepts in an engineering context and may not include, in sufficient depth, areas that are important for teaching purposes. A person who wishes to be registered as a teacher on the basis of qualifications in engineering should seek the advice of the Teaching Council.
358. Deputy Brendan Griffin
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if a higher education access route grant will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37001/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
The Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) is a third-level admissions scheme for students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The scheme is operated by a number of higher education institutions and not by my Department. Admissions to the institutions under this programme are regulated by the institutions themselves. Further details are available at www.accesscollege.ie.
359. Deputy Charlie McConalogue
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if a school (details supplied) in County Donegal may appoint a mainstream teacher to the position that is on appeal an outcome of which will be determined at the October appeals board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37002/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
The school referred to by the Deputy lost a mainstream classroom post due to a reduction in its pupil enrolments as at 30 September 2011. The school appealed this decision to the Staffing Appeals Board on the basis that it was projecting an increase in enrolment figures for September 2012. The Primary Staffing Appeals Board deferred making a decision on this appeal pending confirmation of the 30 September 2012 enrolment figures. The next meeting of the Primary Staffing Appeals Board takes place on Thursday, 25 October. The Boards of Management of the applicant schools, including the school referred to by the Deputy, will be notified as soon as possible after this meeting of the outcome of their appeal. The Appeal Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
360. Deputy Eoghan Murphy
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if he will review the following case regarding a reduced allocation of a special needs assistant in respect of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 6. [37006/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
I wish to advise the Deputy that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for processing applications from schools for special educational needs supports, including Special Needs Assistant (SNA) support. The NCSE operates within my Department's established criteria for the allocation of such supports and the staffing resources available to my Department. All schools, including the school referred to by the Deputy were advised to apply to the NCSE for resource teaching and SNA support for the 2012/13 school year by 16th March, 2012.
All schools have now been advised by the NCSE of their SNA staffing allocation for the coming school year. Details of the allocations which have been made to each school are available at www.ncse.ie. Where schools subsequently enrolled new pupils with special educational needs who were not considered at the time that these allocations were made, or where new medical conditions have arisen in the interim, schools may apply to the NCSE for additional SNA support.
I understand that the school referred to by the Deputy recently made a new application to the NCSE for additional SNA support. This application is currently being considered by the NCSE and the school will shortly be advised of the decision in relation to this application. It should be noted, however, that SNAs are not allocated to individual pupils. The NCSE allocates a level of SNA support for each school annually taking into account the care needs of all of the qualifying children enrolled in the school. SNAs should then be deployed by schools in a manner which best meets the care support requirements of the children enrolled in the school for whom SNA support has been allocated. It is a matter for schools to allocate support as required, and on the basis of individual need, which allows schools flexibility in how the SNA support is utilised.
361. Deputy Peter Mathews
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the assistance available in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 20; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37010/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
The Labour Market Activation Scheme (LMA), which was introduced in 2009, provided for 1,500 free undergraduate and 1,000 free postgraduate places for unemployed people on part time courses in universities and institutes of technology across the country. Only those part time courses approved and selected by an independent evaluation panel were eligible for funding under the LMA initiative. Students who commenced an approved LMA course were funded until completion of that course, subject to continuing to meet requirements of the programme. The course referred to by the Deputy is a full time programme and was not an approved LMA course. Students on this course would therefore not have been eligible for funding through the LMA initiative. As the student in question is pursuing a full time course he may be eligible for support under the Student Grant Scheme, full details regarding student grants are available on the studentfinance.ie website
362. Deputy John Perry
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties encountered by a family (details supplied) in County sligo in relation to their school transport. [37014/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy Ciarán Cannon):
Under the terms of the Primary School Transport scheme pupils are eligible for school transport if they reside 3.2 kilometres or more from and are attending their nearest national school having regard to ethos and language. Bus Éireann has advised that the pupils referred to by the Deputy in the details supplied are not attending their nearest school and are therefore not eligible for school transport under the terms of the scheme. Pupils who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport on a concessionary basis only in accordance with the terms of the scheme. In this regard, Bus Éireann has advised that the family in question were issued with concessionary tickets in August.
363. Deputy Arthur Spring
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if he has received the projected enrolment figures for 2012/13 for a school (details supplied) in County Kerry and based on these figures, the number of teachers that the school will be allocated. [37015/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
The school referred to by the Deputy is a 2 teacher school and it will remain so for the 2012/13 school year. Its pupil enrolment on 30 September 2012 will be the basis for determining its staffing allocation for the 2013/14 school year. These enrolment returns are due to be submitted to the Department in October.
364. Deputy Pat Breen
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the options for funding or grants in respect of a person (details supplied) in County clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37016/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
The decision on eligibility for new student grant applications is a matter for the central grant awarding authority SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland). The Deputy will appreciate that in the absence of all of the relevant details that would be contained in an individual's application in relation to means, residency, nationality and previous academic attainment, it would not be possible to say whether or not a student would qualify for a grant. The student is advised to submit a fully completed online grant application to SUSI via studentfinance.ie to have her eligibility for grant assistance assessed. Further information on the student grant is available on the studentfinance.ie website.
365. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the number of agencies, authorities, boards, committees, working groups, tribunals, council services, task forces, agencies or other quangos set up by his Department since February 2011; the number abolished since then; the extra cost of quangos which were established; the savings from the abolition of quangos; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37243/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
No new agencies have been established under the aegis of my Department since February, 2011.
The Depury may wish to note the establishment of the following entities:
(1) Advisory Group to the Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in the Primary Sector (established March 2011)
The Group was tasked with providing the Minister with policy advice regarding divesting of some primary schools and catering for greater diversity in schools. The report of the Group was published in April 2012. (costs of €37,500 were incurred related to the Forum's work)
(2) Working Group on Combating Bullying in Schools (established in May 2012).
The Group is tasked with developing a plan that identifies the priorities to be addressed to combat bullying in schools and how these priorities can be addressed and progress monitored. (All members are on the Working Group as part of their normal work. No fees, travel or subsistence expenses or any other expenses are paid to members of the Group - although a cost of approx. €400 has been incurred related to the consultation programme of the Group)
(3) Student Grants Appeals Board
This Appeals Board was established under Student Support Act 2011 (Student Grants Appeals Board) (Establishment Day) Order 2011, S.I. 451 of 2011, with the 8th September 2011 appointed as the establishment day for the purposes of subsection (2) of section 25 of the Student Support Act 2011. The Board is independent in the performance of its functions. Its establishment allows students who have applied for a grant under the 2011/12 student grant scheme and subsequent schemes to have any appeals determined by the Board.
Since October 2011 and up to the last meeting on 26 July €5,281.02 in travel and sub and a total of €12,750 in fees has been incurred.
(4) Implementation Advisory Group on the National Literacy and Numeracy Strategy
This Group met for the first time in December 2011. The membership consists of representatives of Government Departments and agencies with implementation responsibilities as well as national and international experts in the field of literacy and numeracy. The Group will review progress and advise on the implementation of the National Strategy to Improve Literacy and Numeracy among Children and Young People 2011-2020. The cost of the establishment of the Group is €10,000 per annum.
(5) Advisory Group on Suitability of Qualifications for Higher Capitation Rates
This group was established in October to advise the Department of Children and Youth Affairs on the equivalence of qualifications in other disciplines to a Level 7 Qualification in early Childhood Care and Education. The composition of the group included representatives from the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland, the Irish Universities Association, Ireland's Institutes of Technology and from both my Department and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. The group has completed its work.
(6) National Advisory Working Group on School Self-Evaluation was established in July 2012. There are no costs involved.
(7) The EGF Construction Clearing Group formed in August 2011 and met on a number of occasions in the first two quarters of 2011. As the EGF construction programmes are now finished, there is no need for further meetings. There were no costs involved.
(8) The Talk Talk Waterford Consultative Forum was established in August 2012 to report on programme activity and promote the take-up of various interventions in the proposed EGF Talk Talk programme. It is composed key stakeholders involved in this programme and will meet 4 times a year. The cost is estimated at €300 per meeting to cover room meeting room rental and light refreshments.
(9) An Implementation Group was established for the purpose of bringing forward detailed implementation proposals on new means testing arrangements for students grants to include the value of assets for new applicants for the 2013/14 academic year. There are no costs involved.
(10) SOLAS Implementation Group
This Implementation Group is chaired by the Minister of State with responsibility for Training and Skills, Ciarán Cannon T.D. Membership of the Implementation Group includes representatives from the Department of Education and Skills, FÁS, the Irish Vocational Education Association (IVEA), the Department of Social Protection, the Department of the Taoiseach and a representative from the private training sector. The Implementation Group will develop an Action Plan to implement the changes necessary to put SOLAS, the new Further Education and Training Authority, in place following the passing of the relevant legislation in 2013.
(11) New Schools Establishment Group
In June 2011 I announced that twenty new primary schools and twenty new post-primary schools are to be established in the next six years. I also announced the establishment of new arrangements for the recognition of new primary and post-primary schools. These new arrangements included the establishment of a New Schools Establishment Group which will advise me on patronage of the new primary and second level schools . The Group has recently reported to me on patronage of new primary schools to be established in 2012 and 2013 and new second level schools to be established in 2013 and 2014, following its consideration of the report on the applications received which was prepared by the Department. The terms of reference of the New Schools Establishment Group have recently been expanded to support the divesting process, as outlined in my recent announcement on my Action Plan in response to the report of the Advisory Group to the Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in the Primary Sector.
(12) Junior cycle Implementation Advisory Group
The general remit of the Group is to advise on and progress the implementation of the proposals on Junior cycle reform. The composition of the group includes representatives from my Department, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, the State Examinations Commission, School Management, Principals and Teacher unions and Parents.
The following entities were merged:
(1) The Merger of Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering and Technology and Irish Research Council for Humanities and Social Sciences into one entity - the Irish Research Council (IRC). The IRC has been established as a sub-board of the HEA. The savings from this merger amount to €100,000.
The following entities were abolished:
(1) The Educational Disadvantage Committee was abolished (provided for in the Education (Amendment) Act 2012 - S.7). The savings from this amount to €100,000 per annum
The Deputy may also wish to note the following:
• In June 2011, the functions of the National Educational Welfare Board transferred to the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.
•Since September 2011, the National Centre for Technology in Education (NCTE) is within the remit of Dublin West Education Centre alongside the Department's largest support service, the Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST).
The Deputy will also be aware that there are a number of major structural reform projects and other initiatives being progressed in the Education sector (of which some are included in the Public Sector Reform Plan published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform last November). These include:The amalgamation of the 33 Vocational Education Committees (VECs) / establishment of 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs). The ETBs will take over the work of VECs and will have an expanded role in the delivery of further education and training across the country.
Following the enactment of the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Act 2012, the necessary steps are being taken to establish the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Board. This body will be funded from the contributions of the religious congregations offered in response to the request for additional contributions, following the publication of the Ryan Report. The legislation also provides for the dissolution of the Education Finance Board, which has almost exhausted the €12.7 million available to it, and the transfer of any remaining functions of the Education Finance Board to the new Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Board
A single awarding authority for student grants. City of Dublin VEC will operate as the new single student grant awarding authority to replace the existing 66 grant awarding bodies. Implementation of the new arrangements are being phased in from 2012/13 academic year.
The consolidation of Higher Education provision under the Strategy for Higher Education to 2030.
The establishment of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance Authority of Ireland which involves merger of the National Qualifications Authority, FETAC and HETAC.
366. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the estimated cost of each quango in his Department; the amount expected to be saved from the mergers of quangos in his Department; the basis for this figure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37259/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
My Department's officials clarified that the Deputy is referring to the bodies under the aegis of my Department. Attached please find a list of the Agencies under the remit of my Department. The information requested by the Deputy in respect of the cost of each agency is available in the published annual estimates for the Department. http://per.gov.ie/estpubexp2012/; in addition annual reports and accounts of these bodies are available on their websites.
The Deputy will be aware that there are a number of major structural reform projects that are being progressed in the Education sector. These are 1) Under the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012, the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI), the Higher Education Training Awards Council (HETAC) and the Further Education Training Awards Council (FETAC) are currently being amalgamated into a new agency, the Qualifications and Quality Assurance Authority of Ireland (QQAAI). It is intended to establish the new Authority and dissolve the NQAI, HETAC and FETAC during the Autumn. Major savings have already been achieved through the administrative preparations for amalgamation through non-replacement of staff retiring or leaving, the consolidation of the CEO role and streamlining of operations across the existing bodies. The 2012 current allocation for the bodies was €7.7 million, compared to an outturn of over €13 million in 2008. Staffing in NQAI, HETAC and FETAC has reduced from 110 to 80 over the same period. Further savings will be achieved in coming years.
2) The Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering and Technology and Irish Research Council for Humanities and Social Sciences were merged in March 2012 to form the Irish Research Council (IRC). The IRC has been established as a sub-board of the HEA. The administrative costs of the Councils amounted to some €1.2m in 2011. As a result of the merger it is expected that a there will be a saving of some €100,000 in 2012.
3) My Department is currently engaged in implementing a government decision to reduce the overall number of VECs from 33 to 16 through the merger of particular counties. The full implementation of the decision is expected to result in annual savings to the Exchequer of the order of €2.1m. These will arise from reductions in staff numbers and potential economies of scale through development of shared services. While there may be scope, over time, to dispose of surplus property it is difficult, given the state of the property market, to estimate what could be raised for the Exchequer from property sales or surrender of leases.
| Agency name | Website address |
|---|---|
| An Chomhairle um Oideachais Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta | www.cogg.ie |
| Commission into Child Abuse | www.childabusecommission.ie |
| Education Finance Board | www.educationfinanceboard.com |
| Foras Áiseanna Saothair | www.fas.ie |
| Further Education & Training Awards Council | www.fetac.ie |
| Grangegorman Development Agency | www.ggda.ie |
| Higher Education and Training Awards Council | www.hetac.ie |
| Higher Education Authority | www.hea.ie |
| Irish Research Council | www.ircset.ie |
| Léargas - The Exchange Bureau | www.leargas.ie |
| National Centre for Guidance in Education | www.ncge.ie |
| National Council for Curriculum and Assessment | www.ncca.ie |
| National Council for Special Education | www.ncse.ie |
| National Qualifications Authority of Ireland | www.nqai.ie |
| Residential Institutions Redress Board (RIRB) | www.rirb.ie |
| Residential Institutions Review Committee (RIRC) | See RIRB website |
| Skillnets Ltd | www.skillnets.ie |
| State Examinations Commission | www.examinations.ie |
| The Teaching Council | www.teachingcouncil.ie |
367. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the number of new jobs created by his Department as a result of the jobs initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37275/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy Ciarán Cannon):
Under the Jobs Initiative the Department of Education and Skills was to provide 15,900 education and training places across a spectrum of programmes. Details of which are set out below:
- 6,000 places in the FÁS Specific Skills Training programme
- 5,900 places in the Higher Education Springboard programme
- 3,000 places in the Back to Education Initiative programme
- 1,000 places in Post Leaving Cert Courses.
368. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the number of new jobs created by his Department as a result of the action plan on jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37291/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy Ciarán Cannon):
My Department's actions will support the Government's "Action Plan for Jobs", which sets out how the Government will target different sectors with new policy supports for creating employment opportunities. Under this ambitious plan the Government expects to create up to 100,000 jobs over the next 4 years. My Department will play a key role in the successful implementation of this plan to ensure people have the relevant education , training and competencies so they can compete for jobs in all sectors as they arise. It is not possible at this stage to calculate the number of jobs that may be created directly as a result of the actions of my Department under this initiative. While my Department has no direct role in the creation of jobs in this regard, it should be noted that the funding for positions throughout the education sector is channelled through the Department's budget.
369. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the number of new jobs created by his Department as a result of Budget 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37307/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
During its first 100 days in Office, this Government put in place a Jobs Initiative and, within its first year of being in Office, the Government put in place an Action Plan for Jobs. The Deputy will be aware that the APJ includes a target to create the environment where the number of people at work will increase by 100,000 – from 1.8 million to 1.9 million – by 2016, and reach 2 million people by 2020. Some of the significant Department of Education and Skills actions in Budget 2012 and the APJ include -
* A specific training initiative for managers in SMEs.
370. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the total amount spent on taxis by his Department since February 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37323/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
The following is the information regarding taxi expenditure in my Department since February 2011:
| 2011 (from 1 February 2011) | €25,554.11 |
|---|---|
| 2012 ( to 31 August 2012) | €16,756.18 |
371. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the number of press officers in his Department; the number of press officers in each agency under his auspices; the total cost of press officers in his Department and in agencies under his auspices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37339/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
There is one Director of Communications at the Press Office of my Department on an annual salary of €86,604. None of the agencies under the remit of my Department have dedicated press officer positions. In the event they receive press or media enquiries these matters are addressed by an administrative member of staff.
372. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the total number of board appointees he has made since he came to office; the names, salaries and expenses of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37355/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
Details of all appointments to bodies under the aegis of my Department , including those made since my appointment as Minister, can be accessed on my Department's website www.education.ie. The day to day management of agencies, including the payment of expenses in accordance with Department of Public Expenditure and Reform guidelines, is a matter for the management of each agency and is generally available in the annual reports and accounts of agencies.
373. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if he will detail, in tabular form, the total photography costs for his Department since coming to office inclusive of costs incurred from use of the Ministerial allowance; the occasions for which photographers were booked; the photographers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion that a photographers was used; if there is a policy regarding the booking of photographers within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37371/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
The total photography costs for my Department since 9 March 2011 are set out in the following table. My Department adheres to the National Procurement Service's photography framework in place for central government, local government and the health and education sectors. My Department does not pay a Ministerial allowance to either myself or the Minister of State. The total photography costs for my Department since 9 March 2011 are:
| Cost | Occasion |
|---|---|
| €381.15 (€315 + €66.15 VAT) | Photographs of a school building project were copied for use on a display board submitted to the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland for the joint RIAI/Department colloquium on school design held in Dublin on June 30th 2011. Photographers: Donal Murphy Photography |
| €301.35 (€245 + €56.35 VAT) | Photographs taken on June 12th 2012 to highlight the visit of Ms Marta Santos Pais (UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children). Ms. Pais visited Dublin to participate in an international jury to oversee the design competition of a memorial to victims of childhood abuse in Irish institutions. Photographers: Fennell Photography |
374. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if he will detail in tabular form, the total cost of providing entertainment for his Department since coming to office inclusive of costs incurred from use of the Ministerial allowance; the occasions for which entertainment was provided; the entertainers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion; if there is a policy regarding the booking of entertainers within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37443/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
The details requested in relation to entertainment expenses paid for directly by my Department are outlined on the attached table. My Department does not pay a Ministerial allowance to either myself or the Ministers of State. My Department adheres to Department of Finance guidelines in relation to official entertainment expenditure. In order to minimise costs, it is my Department's practice to utilise the services of in-house caterers as far as possible. Expenditure is monitored to ensure value for money.
Date | Hosted by | Description of Entertainment Provided | Entertainers Used / Suppliers contracted | Total Cost of Event € | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mar-11 | Minister | Lunch with the Indian Ambassador | HOUSES OF THE OIREACHTAS | 48.33 | |
Jun-11 | Minister | Reception for Artist Mr. Patrick Scott- Works hang in Department. | REGENT CATERING ASSOCIATES | 64.16 | |
Jun-11 | Minister | Lunch with the Chinese Ambassador & delegation (Reimbursement Ruairi Quinn) | HOUSES OF THE OIREACHTAS | 149.00 | |
Jun-11 | Minister | Lunch for delegation from Saudi Arabia (SA Min for Higher Ed) | HOUSES OF THE OIREACHTAS | 557.70 | |
Jul-11 | Minister | Lunch in recognition of Dr. Kenneth Milne's contribution to the Irish Education System | REGENT CATERING ASSOCIATES | 136.82 | |
Jul-11 | Minister | Dinner on the retirement of Dr. John Hegarty Provost of Trinity College | HOUSES OF THE OIREACHTAS | 296.75 | |
Oct-11 | Minister | Conference in Chicago jointly hosted by Minister Quinn and Consulate General | COCCO PAZZA RESTAURANT CHICAGO | 438.39 | |
Nov-11 | Minister | Dinner for Tom Jago in recognition of his personal contribution Leuven Institute for Ireland and Europe | HOUSES OF THE OIREACHTAS | 349.90 | |
Dec-11 | Minister | Function in Minister's Office | REGENT CATERING ASSOCIATES | 233.07 | |
Mar-12 | Minister | Lunch for Chinese Ambassador and First Secretary | HOUSES OF THE OIREACHTAS | 50.00 | |
Apr-12 | Minister | Reimbursement for refreshments in Minister's Office | RYAN, RONNIE | 91.56 | |
May-12 | Minister | Reception lunch Patronage & Pluralism Forum | REGENT CATERING ASSOCIATES | 151.50 | |
Subtotal - Minister: | €2,567.18 | ||||
Jul-11 | Minister of state | Dinner for Visiting Ministerial Delegation | FARMLEIGH | 2,175.38 | |
Dec-11 | Minister of state | Dinner hosted by Minister for Visiting Delegation of Senior Higher Education Officials | ROLY'S BISTRO | 580.69 | |
Dec-11 | Minister of state | Lunch for the members of the SOLAS Implementation Group | HOUSES OF THE OIREACHTAS | 108.75 | |
Subtotal - Minister of State: | €2,864.82 | ||||
Aug-11 | Departmental Officials | Promoting Irish Education | THE DRAKE, CHICAGO | 41.00 | |
Aug-11 | Departmental Officials | International Conference Promoting Irish Education | THE DRAKE, CHICAGO | 47.00 | |
Aug-11 | Departmental Officials | International Conference Promoting Irish Education | THE DRAKE, CHICAGO | 231.00 | |
Oct-11 | Departmental Officials | Refreshments Department Open Day - Irish Architecture Foundation Open House Dublin Initiative | REGENT CATERING ASSOCIATES | 43.56 | |
Sep-11 | Departmental Officials | Reimbursement for retirement dinner for Jerome Morrissey CEO National Centre for Technology in Education | THE TALBOT | 189.86 | |
Feb-12 | Departmental Officials | Working Lunch for Visiting International Delegation | SHERRIES CAFÉ | 19.95 | |
Feb-12 | Departmental Officials | EU Presidency Preparatory Meeting - Working Lunch | EDEN RESTAURANT | 68.00 | |
Feb-12 | Departmental Officials | International Conference - Lunch for 27 Participants | ACADEMY PLAZA | 430.65 | |
Apr-12 | Departmental Officials | Working Lunch with Visiting International Delegation | WINDING STAIRS RESTAURANT | 81.84 | |
May-12 | Departmental Officials | Lunch International Joint Working Group | ROLY'S BISTRO | 517.88 | |
Jun-12 | Departmental Officials | Breakfast meeting with International Delegation | BUSWELLS | 40.35 | |
Jun-12 | Departmental Officials | Working Lunch with International Delegation | KITE'S RESTAURANT | 55.10 | |
Jul-12 | Departmental Officials | Breakfast/Lunch meeting with International Delegation | GRESHAM HOTEL | 19.75 | |
Subtotal - Departmental Officials: | €1,785.94 | ||||
Grand Total: | €7,217.94 |
375. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the amount spent on food and drink by his Department; if he will provide a breakdown of what this involved; the occasions on which food and drink was provided; those present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37459/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
The following table provides details of my Department's expenditure on refreshments for meetings and functions in 2011 and to date in 2012.
| Year | Expenditure |
|---|---|
| 2011 | €73,067.17 |
| 2012 | €37,166.16 |
376. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the amount spent on hair and make-up by his Department since he came to office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37475/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
My Department has not incurred expenditure on hair or make-up since February 2011.
377. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the number and names of all special advisers, special press advisers, or any other type of Ministerial adviser in his Department; the name of the Minister / Minister of State to whom he reports; the salary of each advisor now; the salary of each advisor at the time they were appointed; if any salary increase was asked for; if this was granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37491/12]
484. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the names of special advisors for whom salary increases have been requested; the amount requested; the details of those granted increases and the amount by which they were increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40019/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 377 and 484 together.
Since I took office I have appointed 2 Special Advisers, a Personal Assistant and a Personal Secretary and the Minister of State at my Department also appointed a Personal Secretary and Personal Assistant. These appointments were in accordance with the revised conditions for Ministerial Appointments as published by the Department of Finance on the 24th, March 2011. The attached tabular statement gives details of the Ministerial appointments made at my Department together with details of their current salaries and their salaries when they were appointed. They were placed on the appropriate point of the salary scale proximate to the earnings they were in receipt of in their former employment.
None of the personnel mentioned in the tabular statement has sought additional remuneration and their salary payments are as agreed in their employment contracts which were drafted in accordance with the terms of the Guidelines for Ministerial Appointments as mentioned above. As provided for under the terms of the Ethics in Public Office Acts copies of the appointees' contracts of employment together with details of the Special Advisers qualifications were laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas on the 28th, October 2011.
Minister for Education & Skills
Appointment | Sept 2012 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Appointee | Position | Salary | Salary |
| John Walshe | Special Adviser | €92,672 | €92,672 |
| Deirdre Grant | Special Adviser | €86,604 | €86,604 |
| Ian O’Mara | Personal Assistant | €47,304 | €48,520 |
| Neil Ward | Personal Secretary | €45,160 | €45,940 |
Appointment | Sept 2012 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Appointee | Position | Salary | Salary |
| Martina Forde | Personal Assistant | €49,790 | €49,790 |
| Niamh Lawless | Personal Secretary | €38,945 | €43,510 |
378. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if he will provide detail in tabular form, the names of all external public relations and consultancy persons and organisations used by his Department for the years 2011 and 2010; the amount paid to each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37507/12]
381. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if he will detail in tabular form, the amount paid to consultants since February 2011; the name of each organisation used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37556/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 378 and 381 together.
The details in question are outlined in the following table.
Consultancy Persons and Organisations used by the Department of Education and Skills in 2010, 2011 and 2012 (up to 31/08/2012) | ||
YEAR 2010 | ||
| Consultant | Purpose | Total Cost |
€ | ||
| Centre for Cross Border Studies | 2010 annual review of Post graduate courses in Northern Ireland | 2,420 |
| Gartner | Subscription for provision of ICT research, advice, guidance and related services to the IT Unit | 37,026 |
| Ina McGrath | Ergonomic workstation assessment and report | 300 |
| Indecon | Mid term review of the Lifelong Learning Programme and preparation of a report for the European Commission | 59,284 |
| Deloitte | Declaration of Assurance 2009 Audit - to review procedures and workflows in the National Agencies for the Lifelong Learning Programme and to provide a basis for the yearly Declaration of Assurance to the EU Commission | 16,299 |
| Mazars | Review procedures and workflows in the National Agencies for the Lifelong Learning Programme and to provide a basis for the yearly Declaration of Assurance to the EU Commission. | 4,795 |
| Public Authority Pension Services | Expertise relating to the model public service pension scheme to assist in the establishment of a pension scheme for the NCTE | 5,324 |
2010 Total: | €125,448 | |
YEAR 2011 | ||
| Consultant | Purpose | Total Cost |
€ | ||
| Centre for Cross Border Studies | 2011 annual review of Post graduate courses in Northern Ireland | €2,420.00 |
| Jim Duffy and Pat McLoughlin | An Independent panel made recommendations to the Minister on the preferred proposal for designation of a single awarding authority. | €1,927.86 |
| Gartner | Subscription for provision of ICT research, advice, guidance & related services to the IT Unit 1/10/2011 -30/09/2012 | €35,150.49 |
| Sr. Eileen Randles | Review of an appeal against an inspection under section 13 (9) of the Education Act 1998 | €920.00 |
| Dr Simon Marginson | Submission of draft criteria for the proposed re-designation of amalgamated institutes of Technology Universities arising from the recommendations of the National Strategy for Higher Education to 2030 | €9,075.00 |
| Sir Jim Rose * | Provision of international expertise and advice to the Minister in relation to Literacy and Numeracy for Learning and Life: The National Strategy to Improve Literacy and Numeracy among Children & Young People 2011 -2020 | €0 * |
| Farrell Grant Sparks | Provision of specialist advice in relation to the finalisation of updated and transparent accounting arrangements with Bus Éireann in respect of the School Transport Account | €8,410.71 |
| Professor John Coolahan, Dr Caroline Hussey & Fionnuala Kilfeather | Advisory Group on the Forum on Patronage & Pluralism in the Primary Sector. | €20,000.00 |
| Price Waterhouse Coopers LLP (PWC) Belfast | Evaluation of the Special Education Support Service. | €97,866.01 |
| Goodbody Economic Consultants | Evaluation of the Initial Implementation of Síolta, the National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education | €31,280.92 |
| The PA Consulting Group | Evaluation of the training & education programmes for the unemployed delivered under the Labour Market Activation Fund 2010 | €52,003.38 |
| Fitzpatrick & Associates | Mid term Evaluation of the Human Capital Investment 2007-2013 | €61,589.00 |
| Deloitte | Audits of the national agencies for the Lifelong Learning Programme in Ireland. | €16,299.00 |
| Public Authority Pension Services Ltd | Pensions advisory work relating to the establishment of a pension scheme for staff of the National Council for Technology in Education | €4,791.60 |
| Analyses Mason | Commercial Financial and Technical Procurement advice for Schools Broadband Tender | €63,632.51 |
2011 Total: | €405,366.48 | |
| * No payment made in 2011 | ||
YEAR 2012 from 1/01/2012 to 31/08/2012 | ||
| Consultant | Purpose | Total Cost |
€ | ||
| Mokum Change Management | Oracle Training & Support & Oracle Functional Consultancy Fees May & June 2012 includes supply of service (4th schedule) vat at 23% (part of the Department's Performance Budgeting and Vote Restructuring Project | €7,522.99 |
| Version 1 | Functional and Training consultancy as part of the Department's Performance Budgeting and Vote Restructuring Project | €2,070.00 |
| Pat McLoughlin (former CEO Eastern Health Board) | T & S for his work on the Independent Panel set up re the establishment of a Single Grant Awarding Authority in 2011. (Fee paid by payroll and adjustment made from A 7 non IT consultancy December 2011). T & S paid in 2012 for work carried out in 2011. | €83.66 |
| Sir Jim Rose | Fee, travel & Sub and expenses for his work as International Expert for Literacy & Numeracy Implementation Group meetings 12/12/2011 and 27/03/2012. Includes supply of service (4th schedule) vat at 23% | €2,462.84 |
| Analyses Mason | Technical commercial and financial advice in the procurement of broadband services for schools | €52,040.42 |
| Mazars | Audit of Labour Market Activation Projects co-funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) Human Capital Investment Operational Programme (HCI OP) 2007-2013 | €9,839.14 |
| Deloitte | 2011 Annual Declaration of Assurancefor the leargas Lifelong Learning Programme and the HEA Lifelong Learning Erasmus Programme. | €16,568.10 |
| WRC Social & Economic Consultants | Provision of Administrative & Technical support to the European Globalisation Fund Managing Authority | €210,059.40 |
2012 Total: | €300,646.55 | |
379. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the gross annual salary costs for his private and constituency offices at present; the same figures for this time last year; and the same figures for any Ministers of State in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37524/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table.
2011 – Gross Annual Salary | 2012 – Gross Annual Salary | |
|---|---|---|
| Minister’s Private Office | €436,856 | €441,181 |
| Minister’s Constituency Office | €195,097 | €195,877 |
2011 – Gross Annual Salary | 2012 – Gross Annual Salary | |
|---|---|---|
| Minister of State Ciarán Cannon, T.D. - Private Office | €213,548 | €222,335 |
| Minister of State Ciarán Cannon, T.D. - Constituency Office | €125,099 | €93,300 |
380. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if he will detail in tabular form, the amount paid on external public relations and communications consultants since February 2011; the reason for the payment; the name of each organisation used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37540/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
My Department did not incur any expenditure on external public relations and communications consultants in 2011 or to date in 2012.
Question No. 381 answered with Question No. 379.
382. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the political activities of each special adviser, special press advisers, or any other type of Ministerial adviser in his Department; if any of them were members of a political party; if so the parties to which they belonged; if any of them are or have been elected local authority members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37572/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
I am not in a position to provide the information sought as it is not open to me to request or compel the appointees to provide this information. However, the Deputy should note that the restrictions which have traditionally been imposed on civil servants engaging in political activity under Paragraph 5.4 of the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour do not apply to Ministerial Staff holding temporary unestablished positions and whose tenure is coterminous with that of the relevant Minister. In accordance with the terms of the Ethics in Public Office Acts copies of the appointees' contracts of employment together with details of the Special Advisers qualifications were laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas on the 28th, October 2011.
383. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the amount spent by his Department on drivers and Ministerial transport since February 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37588/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
The following table provides a breakdown of expenditure requested by the deputy on drivers and Ministerial transport since February 2011.
Ministerial Transport Costs | Payment Period* | Total Paid |
|---|---|---|
| MINISTER - Ruairi Quinn T.D. | 01/03/2011 - 31/06/2012 | €19,104.94 |
| Salary Costs - Driver 1 | 03/05/2011- 14/09-2012 | €47,886.65 |
| Salary Costs - Driver 2 | 17/05/2011 - 14/09-2012 | €46,442.65 |
| Travel & Subsistence - Driver 1 | 07/05/2011- 11/06/2012 | €1,654.76 |
| Travel & Subsistence - Driver 2 | 23/05/2011 - 26/03/2012 | €580.87 |
| Total | €115,669.87 | |
Minister of State Transport Costs | Payment Period* | Total Paid |
| MINISTER OF STATE - Ciaran Cannon T.D. | 01/03/2011 - 17/07-2012 | €28,638.02 |
| Salary Costs - Driver 1 | 03/05/2011- 14/09-2012 | €50,449.75 |
| Salary Costs - Driver 2 | 17/05/2011 - 14/09-2012 | €50,449.75 |
| Travel & Subsistence - Driver 1 | 18/04/2011 - 27/07/2012 | €8,001.32 |
| Travel & Subsistence - Driver 2 | 11/04/2011 - 02/08/2012 | €8,145.79 |
| Total | €145,684.63 | |
| *Travel & Subsistence based on claims paid to date | ||
| Salary Costs are exclusive of Employer's PRSI | ||
384. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the total amount spent since February 2011 on external reports commissioned by his Department, including payments from Ministerial allowances, details of the consultants employed and costs of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37620/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
Information in respect of external consultancy reports commissioned by my Department in 2011 and to date in 2012 are included in the following table. My Department does not pay a Ministerial allowance to either myself or the Ministers of State.
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION & SKILLS CONSULTANCY REPORTS 2011 | ||
| Consultant Name | Purpose of Consultancy | Total amt paid 2011 incl vat |
| Centre for Cross Border Studies | 2011 annual review of Postgraduate courses in Northern Ireland | €2,420.00 |
| Sr. Eileen Randles | Review of an appeal against an inspection under section 13 (9) of the Education Act 1998 | €920.00 |
| Dr Simon Marginson | Development & submission to DOES of draft criteria for the proposed re-designation of amalgamated institutes of Technology Universities arising from the recommendations of the National Strategy for Higher Education to 2030 | €9,075.00 |
| Forum on Patronage & Pluralism in the Primary Sector-Professor John Coolahan, Dr Caroline Hussey, Fionnuala Kilfeather | Report of Advisory Group which convened the Forum on Patronage & Pluralism in the Primary Sector, to receive and distil the various views and perspectives of participants and to report and advise the Minister | €20,000.00 |
| Price Waterhouse Coopers LLP (PWC) Belfast | Evaluation of the Special Education Support Service established by the Department in 2003 to address the then rather fragmented provision of continuing professional development in the area of special education. | €97,866.01 |
| Goodbody Economic Consultants | Evaluation of the Initial Implementation of Síolta, the National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education | €31,280.92 |
| The PA Consulting Group | Evaluation of the training & education programmes for the unemployed delivered under LMAF 2010 | €52,003.38 |
| Fitzpatrick & Associates | Mid term Evaluation of the Human Capital Investment 2007-2013 | €61,589.00 |
| Deloitte | Audits of the national agencies for the Lifelong Learning Programme in Ireland, these will serve as the basis for the submission of Declarations of Assurance from International Section to the European Commission | €16,299.00 |
| Public Authority Pension Services Ltd | Pensions advisory work relating to the establishment of a pension scheme for staff of the NCTE | €4,791.60 |
| Total (2011) : | €296,244.91 | |
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION & SKILLS CONSULTANCY REPORTS 2012 1/01/2012 to 31/08/2012 | ||
| Consultant Name | Purpose of Consultancy | Total amt paid 2012 incl vat |
| Mazars | Audit of Labour Market Activation Projects co-funded by the european Social Fund (ESF) Human Capital Investment Operational Programme (HCI OP) 2007 - 2013 | €52,040.42 |
| Deloitte | 2011 Annual Declaration of Assurance for the Leargas Lifelong Learning Programme and the HEA Lifelong Learning/Erasmus Programme. | €16,568.10 |
| Total (Jan. to Aug. 2012) : | €68,608.52 | |
385. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if he will support the attached (details supplied). [37708/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
My Department strives to ensure that a continuum of special education provision is available as required for children with special educational needs. In line with this approach the policy is to promote a child-centred approach to education of all children with special educational needs including those with autism. As each child with autism is unique they should have access to a range of different approaches to meet their individual needs.
386. Deputy Nicky McFadden
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if he will provide clarification on teacher numbers and the pupil teacher ratio at a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath from September 2012; if he is satisfied that pupils will continue to receive a comprehensive education with decreased teacher numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37725/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
I wish to advise the Deputy that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is an independent agency with responsibility for determining the appropriate staffing levels in relation to the support of pupils with special educational needs attending special schools. The NCSE operates within my Department's policy in allocating this support.
387. Deputy Nicky McFadden
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the reason a delay has occurred and school (details supplied) in County Westmeath will not be completed until May 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37741/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
The school referred to by the Deputy is among eight schools constituting the third bundle of school projects that are earmarked for delivery as part of the Department's overall Schools Public Private Partnership programme of works. Unfortunately, unanticipated difficulties associated with the current fiscal situation have led to delays in achieving financial close. As a consequence, it has not been possible to conclude the contract with the preferred tenderer as had been originally planned. However, the expectation is that these difficulties will now be overcome later this year with the likelihood that the contract will be in place and the builder on site before the end of the calendar year. I look forward to this situation coming to pass.
388. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if he will supply a list of all Labour Court recommendations that have been issued in respect of his Department and organisations under his aegis that have not been complied with in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37751/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
My Department does not keep a central list of Labour Court recommendations that have been issued in respect of my Department. Officials in my Department will arrange to provide the specific information sought in respect of my Department directly to the Deputy as soon as possible. The Deputy will appreciate that the information requested by him in respect of organisations coming under the aegis of my Department is not held by my Department, as most cases are dealt with by the individual employer organisation. Given that there are in excess of 4,000 individual employer organisations coming under the aegis of my Department, it would require an inordinate amount of administrative time to compile the information sought by the Deputy.
389. Deputy Tom Fleming
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if he will ensure that the productive assets of farm families and other self employed families are not factored into the assessment of income for the purpose of third level maintenance grants; if he will acknowledge the fundamental role played by the student grant schemes in supporting families by refraining from increasing fees and reducing grants as most families today are under huge financial pressures and should be assisted in every way possible so that their children will access third level education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37780/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
As I announced last December, the means test for student grants will be amended to take account of the value of certain capital assets as well as income for the 2013/14 academic year. The Deputy will be aware that a dedicated capital assets test implementation group was established to bring forward detailed implementation proposals on new means testing arrangements for student grants, to include the value of assets, for new applicants from the 2013/14 academic year. The report of the implementation group, which I expect to have shortly, will make recommendations on the treatment of various classes of assets. Any proposals in this regards will require Government agreement and necessitate legislative amendment.
390. Deputy Brendan Ryan
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if he will provide the current number of autistic spectrum units in North County Dublin; if there are plans for more ASD units to be rolled out in the area over the next few years; if there are details of such plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37800/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
The Deputy will be aware of the Government's ongoing commitment to ensuring that all children with special educational needs, including those with autism, can have access to an education appropriate to their needs preferably in school settings through the primary and post primary school network. This facilitates access to individualised education programmes, fully qualified professional teachers, special needs assistants and the appropriate school curriculum.
391. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the position regarding recruiting persons with a disability; the number of persons currently employed in his Department; the number of persons with a disability that have been employed since 1 January 2011 to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37835/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
My Department fully complies with all codes of practice in relation to the recruitment and employment of persons with a disability in the Civil Service. As at the end of December 2011, as provided for under Part 5 of the Disability Act 2005, my Department reported to the National Disability Authority (NDA) a staffing of 1,339 employees of whom 46 (3.4%) had a declared disability. As disability is subject to self-disclosure, all staff recruited into the Department are provided with a Staff Census Form (NDA Form S1) wherein they can declare that they have a disability. All completed forms are returned in confidence to the Department's Disability Liaison Officer (DLO) for statistical purposes.
392. Deputy Dan Neville
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
his views on whether learners should have a seat on the Education and Training Board when they are set up to replace the 33 VECs; his further views on whether learners need to be represented on further education on the basis of equity, fairness and improving the quality of education and training services in view of the fact that learners are routinely represented on governing bodies in higher education and at school level through parents; if adult learners should also be fully represented at further education level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37899/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
In October 2011 the General Scheme of an Education and Training Boards Bill was referred to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Jobs, Social Protection and Education. The General Scheme was also published at that time. Following discussions with this Department and relevant stakeholders, the Committee prepared a report which I responded to at a meeting of the Committee on 25 January 2012. The General Scheme was then referred to the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to the Government for formal drafting. It is hoped that the Bill will be published in the very near future. I have received representations seeking to provide a place for adult learners on the Education and Training Boards. Consideration will be given to those representations.
393. Deputy Nicky McFadden
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if he will confirm that eligibility for higher education grants will continue to be assessed by income only and not by asset value; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37900/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
As I announced last December, the means test for student grants will be amended to take account of the value of certain capital assets as well as income for the 2013/14 academic year. The Deputy will be aware that a dedicated capital assets test implementation group was established to bring forward detailed implementation proposals on new means testing arrangements for student grants, to include the value of assets, for new applicants from the 2013/14 academic year. The report of the implementation group, which I expect to have shortly, will make recommendations on the treatment of various classes of assets. Any proposals in this regards will require Government agreement and necessitate legislative amendment.
394. Deputy Michelle Mulherin
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the number of primary schools that are bi-located; if he will identify all such schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37909/12]
395. Deputy Michelle Mulherin
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the policy that operates in respect of bi-located primary schools and their accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37910/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 394 and 395 together.
396. Deputy Nicky McFadden
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if a school (details supplied) in County Longford will be approved for a two classroom extension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37930/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
I wish to confirm that my Department has received an application for additional accommodation from the school referred to by the Deputy. The application is currently being assessed and a decision will be conveyed to the school authority as soon as this process has been completed.
397. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if he will support a matter (details supplied) regarding teaching qualifications [37956/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy Ciarán Cannon):
It has been the policy of my Department for some time that only qualified and registered teachers should be employed by schools. Schools must ensure that teachers proposed for appointment to publicly paid teacher posts are registered with the Teaching Council and have qualifications appropriate to the sector and suitable to the post for which they are proposed. The qualifications of the person mentioned by the Deputy do not meet the requirements for registration set out under Teaching Council regulations. Once commenced, Section 30 of the Teaching Council Act 2001 will prohibit, by law, payment from public monies of people employed as teachers in recognised schools unless they are registered with the Teaching Council, subject to specific exclusions for very short-term cover which will be circumscribed by regulation. My Department and VECs will be bound by these regulations and will not be able to make exceptions in individual cases.
398. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if a student grant is payable in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37964/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
The decision on eligibility for new student grant applications is a matter for the central grant awarding authority SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland). Renewal applications will continue to be dealt with by the existing 66 grant awarding authorities. The Deputy will appreciate that in the absence of all of the relevant details that would be contained in an individual's application in relation to means, residency, nationality and previous academic attainment, it would not be possible for me to say whether or not a student would qualify for a grant. The student referred to by the Deputy is advised to submit a fully completed online grant application to SUSI via studentfinance.ie or to the relevant grant awarding authority to have her eligibility for grant assistance assessed. Further information on the student grant is available on the studentfinance.ie website.
399. Deputy Paudie Coffey
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if he will indicate which institutes of technology have joined together in submitting an expression of interest for applying to become technological universities, as phase one of the process should now be concluded as the six month time period for making such an expression has now elapsed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37991/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
In the document, Towards a Future Higher Education Landscape, published by the HEA in February last, a clear four stage process and criteria was laid out for institutes of technology who wish to apply for designation as Technological Universities. Stage 1 of the process required consortiums of institutions to submit an expression of interest to HEA within six months. The HEA will, having considered the system level implications of the proposal, advise, within a reasonable period (no longer than a further six months), as to whether or not the proposal may proceed to the second stage of the process. Stage one is not yet complete and I am not in a position to comment on the process . Several institutes of technology have however publicly announced the formation of alliances in order to apply for designation as a technological university.
400. Deputy Paudie Coffey
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the progress that has been made to date in updating the junior certificate and leaving certificate cycles so that subjects such as politics and information technology will become part of both curriculums; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37992/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment provided its advice to me on Junior Cycle Reform in late 2011. Since then, consideration has been ongoing in relation to the implementation of reform. Reform will be introduced on a phased basis. There will be a combination of curriculum components including subjects and short courses. Within their junior cycle experience, students will learn key skills and using ICT confidently across the curriculum is incorporated in the different skills areas. The introduction of short courses will allow schools the flexibility to offer courses in a wider range of areas, including politics and I.T., should they so wish.
401. Deputy Paudie Coffey
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the progress that has been made to date in introducing some course work that will be examinable on a continuous assessment basis for the leaving certificate and junior certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37993/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
In the context of JC reform the NCCA has advised that a portfolio with a weighting of 40% of the marks would be an inherent component of subjects in the revised Junior Certificate. I have accepted the NCCA's advise that a portfolio should be a key element of revised subjects. The implementation of this kind of assessment in the Junior Cycle is a considerable reform and the impact and outcomes of this will need to be considered before any changes are made in the high stakes Leaving Certificate examination.
402. Deputy Pat Breen
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated in respect of extra Special Needs Assistant hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38009/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
I wish to advise the Deputy that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for processing applications from schools for special educational needs supports, including Special Needs Assistant (SNA) support. The NCSE operates within my Department's established criteria for the allocation of such supports and the staffing resources available to my Department.
403. Deputy Paudie Coffey
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the progress being made in recent months in respect of the establishment of Solas, the new State training agency to replace FAS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38039/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy Ciarán Cannon):
Following the Government Decision to create SOLAS, an Implementation Group was set up to prepare an Action Plan to implement the changes required to establish SOLAS. The Heads of a Bill for the establishment of SOLAS have been approved by Government. The Bill will, inter alia, provide for the establishment of SOLAS and for the dissolution of FAS. The Bill is being currently being drafted in the Office of the Attorney General and I expect to publish this legislation in the Autumn session.
404. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
his views on a matter (details supplied). [38052/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
It has been the policy of my Department for some time that only qualified and registered teachers should be employed by schools. This is set out most recently in Circular Letter 31/2011. Current recruitment procedures direct schools to ensure that teachers proposed for appointment to publicly paid posts must be registered with the Teaching Council and have qualifications appropriate to the sector and suitable to the post for which they are proposed.
405. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if he will conclude the consultation between his Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to the payment of a Labour Court recommendation which was decided on 27 September, 2011 in view of the unnecessary hardship that is being caused by the non-payment of this amount in line with the Labour Court recommendation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38059/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
I wish to inform the Deputy that the consultation process between the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and my Department is still ongoing. However, the matter is expected to be concluded in the near future.
406. Deputy Joanna Tuffy
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if he will provide a breakdown of funding from his Department to institutes of technology and universities from the State on a college by college basis and under the heading which that funding was made available in the years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012; if any moneys were returned during these years to the Department as unspent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38088/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
As the Deputy may be aware my Department allocates recurrent funding to the Higher Education Authority (HEA) for direct disbursement to the Universities and Institutes of Technology. My Department also allocates capital funding to the HEA for disbursement to the sector, while my Department allocates capital funding directly to the Institutes of Technology.
A breakdown of funding allocated by the HEA to the sector is detailed each year in the HEA's published accounts. Attached for information is an extract from the published accounts for years 2007 to 2011. The 2011 accounts have been adjusted to reflect refunds of €5.9m made to my Department in that year. Also attached is a table showing breakdown of funding allocated this year to date by the HEA and details of capital funding allocated directly by my Department to the Institutes of Technology for the years requested by the Deputy.
SCHEDULES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2007
SUMMARY OF ALL GRANTS 2007
RECURRENT GRANTS | CAPITAL GRANTS | ERASMUS GRANTS | RESEARCH GRANTS | ACCESS GRANTS | TOTAL 2007 | TOTAL 2006 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
€ | € | € | € | € | € | € | ||
| NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND | 12,697 | 12,697 | 12,697 | |||||
| UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, DUBLIN | 179,353,775 | 33,464 | 599,932 | 21,764,467 | 1,250,452 | 203,002,090 | 218,004,630 | |
| UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK | 127,081,062 | 22,165,411 | 443,154 | 29,542,170 | 1,106,901 | 180,338,698 | 142,106,005 | |
| NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND, GALWAY | 104,020,615 | 2,774,500 | 349,401 | 14,494,213 | 1,165,825 | 122,804,554 | 106,625,911 | |
| NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND, MAYNOOTH | 48,889,381 | 875,000 | 97,255 | 6,158,302 | 655,173 | 56,675,111 | 51,593,651 | |
| TRINITY COLLEGE DUBLIN | 131,553,349 | 519,746 | 375,363 | 19,856,063 | 1,293,804 | 153,598,325 | 150,904,169 | |
| DUBLIN CITY UNIVERSITY | 55,065,874 | 962,479 | 277,421 | 11,739,775 | 458,022 | 68,503,571 | 70,896,348 | |
| UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK | 77,694,875 | 9,242,755 | 596,219 | 7,713,679 | 802,959 | 96,050,487 | 79,452,284 | |
| NATIONAL COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN | 12,848,226 | 1,408,395 | 58,641 | 447,000 | 177,275 | 14,939,537 | 13,622,503 | |
| ROYAL IRISH ACADEMY | 3,675,200 | 520,000 | - | 4,195,200 | 3,416,900 | |||
| MARY IMMACULATE COLLEGE | 19,299,674 | 4,377,029 | 87,442 | 588,376 | 141,367 | 24,493,888 | 28,292,081 | |
| ST. PATRICK’S COLLEGE, DRUMCONDRA | 18,752,667 | 2,152,930 | 18,378 | 80,271 | 3,949 | 21,008,195 | 19,133,369 | |
| ATHLONE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 25,235,907 | 15,895 | 778,314 | 357,280 | 26,387,396 | 1,203,312 | ||
| BLANCHARDSTOWN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 13,439,134 | 28,907 | 187,527 | 263,692 | 13,919,260 | 176,614 | ||
| INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, CARLOW | 23,239,812 | 26,089 | 377,019 | 262,434 | 23,905,354 | 218,629 | ||
| CORK INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 61,828,000 | 126,905 | 2,449,375 | 431,350 | 64,835,630 | 1,942,386 | ||
| DUBLIN INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED STUDIES | - | 4,275,430 | 4,275,430 | 3,687,579 | ||||
| DUBLIN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 139,191,673 | 351,038 | 4,390,216 | 816,782 | 144,749,709 | 2,029,940 | ||
| DUNDALK INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 27,166,037 | 39,942 | 349,309 | 196,393 | 27,751,681 | 238,022 | ||
| DUNLAOGHAIRE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 14,166,545 | 207,950 | 209,550 | 14,584,045 | 205,513 | |||
| GALWAY – MAYO INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 42,831,968 | 194,104 | 549,998 | 438,997 | 44,015,067 | 604,743 | ||
| LETTERKENNY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 20,009,927 | 4,595 | 100,504 | 185,534 | 20,300,560 | 241,387 | ||
| LIMERICK INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 30,307,081 | 96,693 | 226,022 | 488,658 | 31,118,454 | 599,343 | ||
| INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, SLIGO | 26,309,747 | (8,943) | 359,435 | 340,752 | 27,000,991 | 1,488,163 | ||
| INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, TALLAGHT | 25,270,743 | 50,029 | 1,722,631 | 212,009 | 27,255,412 | 1,052,444 | ||
| INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, TRALEE | 23,222,156 | 14,650 | 192,871 | 284,925 | 23,714,602 | 150,576 | ||
| WATERFORD INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 48,651,048 | 50,804 | 2,283,920 | 566,451 | 51,552,223 | 1,379,648 | ||
| FROEBEL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION | 8,966 | 5,449 | 14,415 | 21,087 | ||||
| HEANET | 3,650,000 | 11,185,003 | - | 14,835,003 | 14,570,678 | |||
| MATER DEI INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION | 3,706,307 | 15,782 | 15,410 | 3,737,499 | 3,684,528 | |||
| NATIONAL COLLEGE OF IRELAND | 176,000 | 176,000 | 116,268 | |||||
| ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS IN IRELAND | 4,118,700 | 10,596,114 | 6,448 | 14,721,262 | 5,676,199 | |||
| ST. ANGELAS COLLEGE | 3,875,228 | 100 | - | 43,542 | 3,918,870 | 3,707,432 | ||
| ST. CATHERINE’S COLLEGE OF EDUCATION FOR HOME ECONOMICS | - | (3,672) | - | (3,672) | 6,444 | |||
| TIPPERARY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | - | 5,029 | - | 54,179 | 59,208 | 75,303 | ||
| ST PATRICKS COLLEGE MAYNOOTH | - | - | - | - | ||||
| MARINE INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION | - | - | 25,433 | 25,433 | 10,023 | |||
| UK INSTITUTIONS | - | - | 331,785 | 331,785 | 268,088 | |||
| IRISH INSTITUTIONS | - | - | - | 2,790,430 | 2,790,430 | 1,291,827 | ||
| PONTIFICAL UNIVERSITY | - | - | - | 11,938 | 11,938 | 13,796 | ||
| AREA DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT | - | - | - | 2,275,000 | 2,275,000 | 2,111,500 | ||
SUB TOTAL | 1,314,467,408 | 44,511,709 | 3,920,119 | 153,135,954 | 17,846,148 | 1,533,881,338 | 930,832,020 |
RECURRENT GRANTS | CAPITAL GRANTS | ERASMUS GRANTS | RESEARCH GRANTS | ACCESS GRANTS | TOTAL 2007 | TOTAL 2006 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
€ | € | € | € | € | € | € | ||
B/FWD | 1,314,467,408 | 44,511,709 | 3,920,119 | 153,135,954 | 17,846,148 | 1,533,881,338 | 930,832,020 | |
| NORFACE | - | - | 167,745 | 167,745 | 0 | |||
| ESF | 33,526 | 33,526 | 4,500 | |||||
| ST. NICHOLAS MONTESSORI SCHOOL | - | 5,993 | - | 5,993 | 4,672 | |||
| TEAGASC | - | 48,149 | 48,149 | (6,882) | ||||
| ROYAL IRISH ACADEMY OF MUSIC | - | (3,601) | (3,601) | 3,568 | ||||
| ALL HALLOWS | 441 | 441 | 1,040 | |||||
| MILLTOWN INSTITUTE OF THEOLOGY AND PHILOSOPHY | 8,690 | 8,690 | ||||||
| GRIFFITH COLLEGE | 2,833 | 2,833 | 4,152 | |||||
| SHANNON COLLEGE OF HOTEL MANAGEMENT | 185,849 | 987 | 186,836 | |||||
| ICLRD | 200,503 | 200,503 | ||||||
| IOTI | 87,306 | 87,306 | ||||||
| ESRI | 193,589 | 193,589 | ||||||
| QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY BELFAST | 241,279 | 241,279 | 134,271 | |||||
| IRISH INSTITUTIONS COMMUNITY INITIATIVE | 100,000 | 100,000 | 100,000 | |||||
| IRISH UNIVERSITY ASSOCIATION | 1,269,510 | |||||||
| CODIOT | 1,450,888 | |||||||
| TOTAL | 1,314,467,408 | 44,511,709 | 4,120,324 | 154,108,051 | 17,947,135 | 1,535,154,627 | 933,797,739 |
RECURRENT GRANTS | CAPITAL GRANTS | ERASMUS GRANTS | RESEARCH GRANTS | ACCESS GRANTS | TOTAL 2008 | TOTAL 2007 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
€ | € | € | € | € | € | € | ||
| NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND | 112,697 | 112,697 | 12,697 | |||||
| UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, DUBLIN | 188,253,084 | 560,318 | 22,680,053 | 952,027 | 212,445,482 | 203,002,090 | ||
| UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK | 140,013,274 | 18,801,835 | 528,404 | 29,775,253 | 1,573,541 | 190,692,307 | 180,338,698 | |
| NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND, GALWAY | 110,946,034 | 110,218 | 445,205 | 18,028,466 | 727,617 | 130,257,540 | 122,804,554 | |
| NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND, MAYNOOTH | 54,733,014 | 4,045,146 | 103,893 | 10,245,538 | 646,355 | 69,773,946 | 56,675,111 | |
| TRINITY COLLEGE DUBLIN | 136,258,829 | 445,004 | 22,250,875 | 1,147,046 | 160,101,754 | 153,598,325 | ||
| DUBLIN CITY UNIVERSITY | 60,185,101 | 220,390 | 13,250,088 | 449,515 | 74,105,094 | 68,503,571 | ||
| UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK | 84,821,298 | 5,737,916 | 909,908 | 10,707,617 | 690,096 | 102,866,835 | 96,050,487 | |
| NATIONAL COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN | 13,815,578 | 2,688,668 | 97,797 | 223,823 | 151,874 | 16,977,740 | 14,939,537 | |
| ROYAL IRISH ACADEMY | 3,911,223 | 521,542 | 4,432,765 | 4,195,200 | ||||
| MARY IMMACULATE COLLEGE | 21,315,416 | 3,248,267 | 21,675 | 351,821 | 165,894 | 25,103,073 | 24,493,888 | |
| ST. PATRICK’S COLLEGE, DRUMCONDRA | 20,536,933 | 2,715,962 | 32,454 | 488,714 | 40,824 | 23,814,887 | 21,008,195 | |
| ATHLONE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 28,991,194 | 25,833 | 2,504,992 | 336,943 | 31,858,962 | 26,387,396 | ||
| BLANCHARDSTOWN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 14,321,172 | 17,687 | 310,099 | 180,678 | 14,829,636 | 13,919,260 | ||
| INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, CARLOW | 25,703,182 | 19,979 | 447,228 | 159,707 | 26,330,096 | 23,905,354 | ||
| CORK INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 65,925,580 | 107,317 | 3,205,752 | 592,506 | 69,831,155 | 64,835,630 | ||
| DUBLIN INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED STUDIES | 2,762,343 | 2,762,343 | 4,275,430 | |||||
| DUBLIN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 145,861,013 | 398,177 | 4,548,438 | 949,174 | 151,756,802 | 144,749,709 | ||
| DUNDALK INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 27,961,622 | 72,176 | 1,273,187 | 263,619 | 29,570,604 | 27,751,681 | ||
| DUNLAOGHAIRE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 15,552,599 | 4,960 | 318,128 | 274,265 | 16,149,952 | 14,584,045 | ||
| GALWAY – MAYO INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 44,621,062 | 200,334 | 1,034,886 | 459,303 | 46,315,585 | 44,015,067 | ||
| LETTERKENNY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 23,069,347 | 8,536 | 581,746 | 431,943 | 24,091,572 | 20,300,560 | ||
| LIMERICK INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 32,462,112 | 12,056 | 803,025 | 410,256 | 33,687,449 | 31,118,454 | ||
| INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, SLIGO | 30,504,779 | 122,744 | 446,951 | 257,393 | 31,331,867 | 27,000,991 | ||
| INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, TALLAGHT | 26,749,272 | 43,768 | 3,514,050 | 124,337 | 30,431,427 | 27,255,412 | ||
| INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, TRALEE | 23,589,158 | 34,528 | 1,296,605 | 213,907 | 25,134,198 | 23,714,602 | ||
| WATERFORD INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 50,621,164 | 67,962 | 4,363,274 | 477,474 | 55,529,874 | 51,552,223 | ||
| FROEBEL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION | 6,267 | 4,716 | 10,983 | 14,415 | ||||
| HEANET | 4,067,631 | 10,235,000 | 14,302,631 | 14,835,003 | ||||
| MATER DEI INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION | 3,912,471 | 19,984 | 14,569 | 3,947,024 | 3,737,499 | |||
| NATIONAL COLLEGE OF IRELAND | 12,002 | 125,958 | 137,960 | 176,000 | ||||
| ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS IN IRELAND | 3,567,171 | 4,649,564 | 9,126 | 8,225,861 | 14,721,262 | |||
| ST. ANGELAS COLLEGE | 4,824,272 | 8,953 | 33,992 | 4,867,217 | 3,918,870 | |||
| ST. CATHERINE’S COLLEGE OF EDUCATION FOR HOME ECONOMICS | (3,912) | (3,912) | (3,672) | |||||
| TIPPERARY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | - | (7,000) | 41,373 | 34,373 | 59,208 | |||
| ST PATRICKS COLLEGE MAYNOOTH | - | - | - | - | - | |||
| MARINE INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION | - | 700,000 | 12,079 | 712,079 | 25,433 | |||
| UK INSTITUTIONS | - | 241,282 | 422,167 | 663,449 | 331,785 | |||
| IRISH INSTITUTIONS | - | - | 47,575 | 3,005,030 | 3,052,605 | 2,790,430 | ||
| PONTIFICAL UNIVERSITY | - | 8,907 | 10,892 | 19,799 | 11,938 | |||
| AREA DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT | 2,280,000 | 2,280,000 | 2,275,000 | |||||
SUB TOTAL | 1,407,207,282 | 37,348,012 | 4,538,216 | 171,819,917 | 17,632,284 | 1,638,545,711 | 1,533,881,338 |
RECURRENT GRANTS | CAPITAL GRANTS | ERASMUS GRANTS | RESEARCH GRANTS | ACCESS GRANTS | TOTAL 2008 | TOTAL 2007 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
€ | € | € | € | € | € | € | ||
B/FWD | 1,407,207,282 | 37,348,012 | 4,538,216 | 171,819,917 | 17,632,284 | 1,638,545,711 | 1,533,881,338 | |
| NORFACE | 677,432 | 677,432 | 167,745 | |||||
| ESF/HERA | 253,532 | 253,532 | 33,526 | |||||
| ST. NICHOLAS MONTESSORI COLLEGE | 7,792 | 7,792 | 5,993 | |||||
| TEAGASC | 50,650 | 50,650 | 48,149 | |||||
| ROYAL IRISH ACADEMY OF MUSIC | 13,947 | 13,947 | (3,601) | |||||
| ALL HALLOWS | - | 441 | ||||||
| MILLTOWN INSTITUTE OF THEOLOGY AND PHILOSOPHY | (1,116) | (1,116) | 8,690 | |||||
| GRIFFITH COLLEGE | 18,590 | 18,590 | 2,833 | |||||
| SHANNON COLLEGE OF HOTEL MANAGEMENT | 140,507 | 14,075 | 154,582 | 186,836 | ||||
| ICLRD | 400,068 | 400,068 | 200,503 | |||||
| IOTI | 122,746 | 122,746 | 87,306 | |||||
| ESRI | 134,177 | 134,177 | 193,589 | |||||
| QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY BELFAST | - | 241,279 | ||||||
| IRISH INSTITUTIONS COMMUNITY INITIATIVE | 100,000 | 100,000 | 100,000 | |||||
| IRISH UNIVERSITY ASSOCIATION | 1,512,429 | 1,512,429 | ||||||
| CODIOT | 1,308,750 | 1,308,750 | ||||||
| TOTAL | 1,410,028,461 | 37,348,012 | 4,717,936 | 173,458,522 | 17,746,359 | 1,643,299,290 | 1,535,154,627 |
RECURRENT GRANTS | CAPITAL GRANTS | ERASMUS GRANTS | RESEARCH GRANTS | ACCESS GRANTS | TOTAL 2009 | TOTAL 2008 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
€ | € | € | € | € | € | € | ||
| NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND | 12,697 | 12,697 | 112,697 | |||||
| UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, DUBLIN | 178,406,005 | 5,127,140 | 724,993 | 27,863,098 | 1,479,073 | 213,600,309 | 212,445,482 | |
| UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK | 128,910,017 | 10,949,859 | 502,456 | 21,961,672 | 1,155,994 | 163,479,998 | 190,692,307 | |
| NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND, GALWAY | 108,711,433 | 13,519,530 | 267,922 | 11,214,541 | 981,448 | 134,694,874 | 130,257,540 | |
| NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND, MAYNOOTH | 53,407,990 | 5,396,830 | 128,071 | 9,873,041 | 431,075 | 69,237,007 | 69,773,946 | |
| TRINITY COLLEGE DUBLIN | 130,498,449 | 13,151,340 | 394,538 | 19,986,836 | 1,203,377 | 165,234,540 | 160,101,754 | |
| DUBLIN CITY UNIVERSITY | 55,151,758 | 1,664,605 | 364,156 | 11,808,630 | 698,375 | 69,687,524 | 74,105,094 | |
| UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK | 87,332,856 | 7,497,014 | 779,636 | 9,080,578 | 918,952 | 105,609,036 | 102,866,835 | |
| NATIONAL COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN | 12,753,171 | 740,406 | 124,401 | 325,181 | 71,855 | 14,015,014 | 16,977,740 | |
| ROYAL IRISH ACADEMY | 3,890,500 | 658,566 | 4,549,066 | 4,432,765 | ||||
| MARY IMMACULATE COLLEGE | 20,103,411 | 12,678,891 | 79,192 | 92,147 | 173,001 | 33,126,642 | 25,103,073 | |
| ST. PATRICK’S COLLEGE, DRUMCONDRA | 18,635,585 | 2,287,650 | 46,258 | 157,270 | 41,094 | 21,167,857 | 23,814,887 | |
| ATHLONE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 27,590,869 | 27,511 | 993,932 | 293,423 | 28,905,735 | 31,858,962 | ||
| BLANCHARDSTOWN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 13,992,452 | (4,793) | 194,803 | 146,390 | 14,328,852 | 14,829,636 | ||
| INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, CARLOW | 23,869,551 | 18,279 | 249,829 | 479,728 | 24,617,387 | 26,330,096 | ||
| CORK INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 64,756,639 | 131,629 | 8,791,470 | 455,030 | 74,134,768 | 69,831,155 | ||
| DUBLIN INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED STUDIES | 4,256,245 | 4,256,245 | 2,762,343 | |||||
| DUBLIN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 137,948,000 | 527,118 | 4,719,422 | 1,017,557 | 144,212,097 | 151,756,802 | ||
| DUNDALK INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 26,211,214 | 68,701 | 470,171 | 213,847 | 26,963,933 | 29,570,604 | ||
| DUNLAOGHAIRE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 14,602,647 | 24,486 | 225,744 | 207,597 | 15,060,474 | 16,149,952 | ||
| GALWAY – MAYO INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 41,817,523 | 169,606 | 1,489,782 | 495,845 | 43,972,756 | 46,315,585 | ||
| LETTERKENNY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 22,005,664 | 18,247 | 138,801 | 312,020 | 22,474,732 | 24,091,572 | ||
| LIMERICK INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 30,560,706 | 110,652 | 297,354 | 403,312 | 31,372,024 | 33,687,449 | ||
| INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, SLIGO | 28,770,664 | 34,901 | 442,598 | 261,061 | 29,509,224 | 31,331,867 | ||
| INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, TALLAGHT | 25,461,347 | 38,073 | 2,874,623 | 147,881 | 28,521,924 | 30,431,427 | ||
| INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, TRALEE | 23,096,786 | 28,961 | 319,669 | 219,150 | 23,664,566 | 25,134,198 | ||
| WATERFORD INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 47,707,533 | 8,934 | 3,044,887 | 600,776 | 51,362,130 | 55,529,874 | ||
| FROEBEL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION | 5,148 | 4,716 | 9,864 | 10,983 | ||||
| HEANET | 1,314,000 | 6,300,428 | 7,614,428 | 14,302,631 | ||||
| MATER DEI INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION | 3,547,046 | 28,078 | 31,702 | 3,606,826 | 3,947,024 | |||
| NATIONAL COLLEGE OF IRELAND | 36,003 | 111,914 | 147,917 | 137,960 | ||||
| ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS IN IRELAND | 4,766,230 | 4,743,769 | (5,590) | 9,504,409 | 8,225,861 | |||
| ST. ANGELAS COLLEGE | 5,409,591 | 148,740 | 3,002 | 23,641 | 5,584,974 | 4,867,217 | ||
| ST. CATHERINE’S COLLEGE OF EDUCATION FOR HOME ECONOMICS | - | (3,912) | ||||||
| TIPPERARY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 4,707 | 52,032 | 56,739 | 34,373 | ||||
| ST PATRICKS COLLEGE MAYNOOTH | - | - | ||||||
| MARINE INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION | 100,000 | 18,925 | 118,925 | 712,079 | ||||
| UK INSTITUTIONS | 374,489 | 387,140 | 761,629 | 663,449 | ||||
| IRISH INSTITUTIONS | 632,718 | 632,718 | 3,052,605 | |||||
| PONTIFICAL UNIVERSITY | 6,034 | 12,625 | 18,659 | 19,799 | ||||
| AREA DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT | 2,220,000 | 2,220,000 | 2,280,000 | |||||
SUB TOTAL | 1,341,242,334 | 73,162,005 | 4,660,897 | 153,085,579 | 15,897,684 | 1,588,048,499 | 1,638,545,711 |
RECURRENT GRANTS | CAPITAL GRANTS | ERASMUS GRANTS | RESEARCH GRANTS | ACCESS GRANTS | TOTAL 2009 | TOTAL 2008 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
€ | € | € | € | € | € | € | ||
B/FWD | 1,341,242,334 | 73,162,005 | 4,660,897 | 153,085,579 | 15,897,684 | 1,588,048,499 | 1,638,545,711 | |
| NORFACE | 677,432 | |||||||
| ESF/HERA | 129,670 | 129,670 | 253,532 | |||||
| ST. NICHOLAS MONTESSORI COLLEGE | 10,118 | 10,118 | 7,792 | |||||
| TEAGASC | 50,650 | |||||||
| ROYAL IRISH ACADEMY OF MUSIC | 10,116 | 10,116 | 13,947 | |||||
| ALL HALLOWS | - | |||||||
| MILLTOWN INSTITUTE OF THEOLOGY AND PHILOSOPHY | (4,130) | 1,790 | (2,340) | (1,116) | ||||
| GRIFFITH COLLEGE | (1,201) | (1,201) | 18,590 | |||||
| SHANNON COLLEGE OF HOTEL MANAGEMENT | 125,577 | 13,981 | 139,558 | 154,582 | ||||
| ICLRD | 280,052 | 280,052 | 400,068 | |||||
| IOTI | 3,029,655 | 37,636 | 3,067,291 | 1,431,496 | ||||
| ESRI | 83,814 | 83,814 | 134,177 | |||||
| QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY BELFAST | - | |||||||
| IRISH INSTITUTIONS COMMUNITY INITIATIVE | 150,000 | 150,000 | 100,000 | |||||
| IRISH UNIVERSITY ASSOCIATION | 2,218,343 | 2,218,343 | 1,512,429 | |||||
| TOTAL | 1,346,490,332 | 73,162,005 | 4,801,377 | 153,616,751 | 16,063,455 | 1,594,133,920 | 1,643,299,290 |
RECURRENT GRANTS | CAPITAL GRANTS | ERASMUS GRANTS | RESEARCH GRANTS | ACCESS GRANTS | TOTAL 2010 | TOTAL 2009 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
€ | € | € | € | € | € | € | |
| NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND | 12,697 | 12,697 | 12,697 | ||||
| UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, DUBLIN | 155,190,522 | 14,219,126 | 589,810 | 15,532,467 | 887,512 | 186,419,437 | 213,600,309 |
| UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK | 118,368,077 | 23,911,436 | 446,341 | 15,458,419 | 1,277,168 | 159,461,441 | 163,479,998 |
| NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND, GALWAY | 101,633,453 | 24,945,252 | 459,795 | 10,111,848 | 778,740 | 137,929,088 | 134,694,874 |
| NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND, MAYNOOTH | 50,350,611 | 9,713,042 | 142,475 | 5,516,387 | 447,208 | 66,169,723 | 69,237,007 |
| TRINITY COLLEGE DUBLIN | 113,553,043 | 18,734,705 | 460,701 | 11,910,620 | 990,397 | 145,649,466 | 165,234,540 |
| DUBLIN CITY UNIVERSITY | 52,823,121 | 2,085,460 | 213,056 | 7,095,509 | 559,782 | 62,776,928 | 69,687,524 |
| UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK | 77,850,457 | 13,074,416 | 908,416 | 8,136,883 | 642,992 | 100,613,164 | 105,609,036 |
| NATIONAL COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN | 11,643,724 | 110,111 | 284,249 | 93,182 | 12,131,266 | 14,015,014 | |
| ROYAL IRISH ACADEMY | 3,525,500 | 1,097,049 | 4,622,549 | 4,549,066 | |||
| MARY IMMACULATE COLLEGE | 19,912,232 | 6,390,855 | 31,901 | 864,034 | 143,479 | 27,342,501 | 33,126,642 |
| ST. PATRICK’S COLLEGE, DRUMCONDRA | 18,128,638 | 2,150,520 | 19,684 | 75,993 | 42,046 | 20,416,881 | 21,167,857 |
| ATHLONE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 24,662,417 | 235 | 328,662 | 368,017 | 25,359,331 | 28,905,735 | |
| BLANCHARDSTOWN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 12,952,232 | 2,903 | 8,716 | 147,925 | 13,111,776 | 14,328,852 | |
| INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, CARLOW | 22,266,159 | 53,881 | 317,259 | 168,690 | 22,805,989 | 24,617,387 | |
| CORK INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 59,736,853 | 116,704 | 3,082,332 | 398,393 | 63,334,282 | 74,134,768 | |
| DUBLIN INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED STUDIES | 650,938 | 650,938 | 4,256,245 | ||||
| DUBLIN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 123,343,196 | 591,280 | 3,592,368 | 1,041,198 | 128,568,042 | 144,212,097 | |
| DUNDALK INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 25,032,378 | 79,354 | 222,186 | 193,356 | 25,527,274 | 26,963,933 | |
| DUNLAOGHAIRE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 14,379,838 | 9,918 | 64,871 | 243,517 | 14,698,144 | 15,060,474 | |
| GALWAY – MAYO INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 36,706,319 | 144,483 | 631,061 | 699,400 | 38,181,263 | 43,972,756 | |
| LETTERKENNY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 19,810,065 | 20,034 | 285,975 | 388,900 | 20,504,974 | 22,474,732 | |
| LIMERICK INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 27,687,735 | 126,251 | 139,983 | 560,743 | 28,514,712 | 31,372,024 | |
| INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, SLIGO | 26,287,702 | 50,346 | 186,399 | 332,549 | 26,856,996 | 29,509,224 | |
| INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, TALLAGHT | 22,574,071 | 51,097 | 2,613,787 | 125,496 | 25,364,451 | 28,521,924 | |
| INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, TRALEE | 20,786,423 | 12,458 | 150,371 | 208,050 | 21,157,302 | 23,664,566 | |
| WATERFORD INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 42,088,698 | 84,297 | 4,038,301 | 350,455 | 46,561,751 | 51,362,130 | |
| FROEBEL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION | 6,781 | 5,325 | 12,106 | 9,864 | |||
| HEANET | 1,145,000 | 1,731,660 | 5,500,000 | 8,376,660 | 7,614,428 | ||
| MATER DEI INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION | 3,435,372 | 19,782 | 35,036 | 3,490,190 | 3,606,826 | ||
| NATIONAL COLLEGE OF IRELAND | 367,500 | 60,006 | 223,952 | 651,458 | 147,917 | ||
| ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS IN IRELAND | 4,215,098 | 2,978,600 | 10,054 | 7,203,752 | 9,504,409 | ||
| ST. ANGELAS COLLEGE | 4,927,149 | 104,544 | (3,531) | 31,439 | 5,059,601 | 5,584,974 | |
| TIPPERARY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 10,714 | 83,163 | 93,877 | 56,739 | |||
| MARINE INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION | 7,320 | 7,320 | 118,925 | ||||
| UK INSTITUTIONS | 553,608 | 346,506 | 900,114 | 761,629 | |||
| IRISH INSTITUTIONS | 732,946 | 732,946 | 632,718 | ||||
| PONTIFICAL UNIVERSITY | 3,627 | 11,095 | 14,722 | 18,659 | |||
| AREA DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT | 2,220,000 | ||||||
SUB TOTAL | 1,215,396,280 | 117,061,016 | 4,762,904 | 101,488,881 | 12,576,031 | 1,451,285,112 | 1,588,048,499 |
RECURRENT GRANTS | CAPITAL GRANTS | ERASMUS GRANTS | RESEARCH GRANTS | ACCESS GRANTS | TOTAL 2010 | TOTAL 2009 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
€ | € | € | € | € | € | € | |
B/FWD | 1,215,396,280 | 117,061,016 | 4,762,904 | 101,488,881 | 12,576,031 | 1,451,285,112 | 1,588,048,499 |
| EINFRANET | 479,440 | 479,440 | |||||
| ESF/HERA/NORFACE | 627,660 | 627,660 | 129,670 | ||||
| ST. NICHOLAS MONTESSORI COLLEGE | 7,618 | 7,618 | 10,118 | ||||
| TEAGASC | 100,188 | 100,188 | |||||
| ROYAL IRISH ACADEMY OF MUSIC | 24,569 | 24,569 | 10,116 | ||||
| MILLTOWN INSTITUTE OF THEOLOGY AND PHILOSOPHY | (852) | (852) | (2,340) | ||||
| GRIFFITH COLLEGE | 20,752 | 20,752 | (1,201) | ||||
| SHANNON COLLEGE OF HOTEL MANAGEMENT | 155,053 | 8,550 | 163,603 | 139,558 | |||
| INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR LOCAL & REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT | 150,000 | 150,000 | 280,052 | ||||
| INSTITUTES OF TECHNOLOGY IRELAND | 1,759,152 | 31,602 | 1,790,754 | 3,067,291 | |||
| ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE | 105,365 | 105,365 | 83,814 | ||||
| IRISH INSTITUTIONS COMMUNITY INITIATIVE | - | 150,000 | |||||
| IRISH UNIVERSITY ASSOCIATION | 1,193,732 | 1,193,732 | 2,218,343 | ||||
| TOTAL | 1,218,349,164 | 117,061,016 | 4,970,044 | 102,983,136 | 12,584,581 | 1,455,947,941 | 1,594,133,920 |
RECURRENT GRANTS | CAPITAL GRANTS | ERASMUS GRANTS | RESEARCH GRANTS | ACCESS GRANTS | EGF GRANTS | TOTAL 2011 | TOTAL 2010 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
€ | € | € | € | € | € | € | € | |
| NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND | 162,697 | 162,697 | 12,697 | |||||
| UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, DUBLIN | 151,802,344 | 14,038,054 | 699,823 | 11,076,859 | 1,064,282 | 178,681,362 | 186,419,437 | |
| UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK | 120,003,326 | 9,101,100 | 630,210 | 8,344,264 | 1,443,003 | 44,900 | 139,566,803 | 159,461,441 |
| NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND, GALWAY | 98,230,535 | 5,647,999 | 367,904 | 12,554,797 | 720,535 | 32,667 | 117,554,437 | 137,929,088 |
| NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND, MAYNOOTH | 48,011,292 | 5,679,570 | 127,186 | 4,007,180 | 502,971 | 1,250 | 58,329,449 | 66,169,723 |
| TRINITY COLLEGE DUBLIN | 112,490,996 | 5,286,126 | 532,804 | 32,697,343 | 1,206,039 | 4,500 | 152,217,808 | 145,649,466 |
| DUBLIN CITY UNIVERSITY | 54,514,467 | 975,624 | 214,678 | 4,641,605 | 539,093 | 6,488 | 60,891,955 | 62,776,928 |
| UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK | 74,631,999 | 4,234,640 | 820,101 | 4,627,668 | 826,236 | 992,393 | 86,133,037 | 100,613,164 |
| NATIONAL COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN | 11,405,067 | 94,510 | 63,378 | 140,532 | 11,703,487 | 12,131,266 | ||
| ROYAL IRISH ACADEMY | 3,285,500 | 535,492 | 3,820,992 | 4,622,549 | ||||
| MARY IMMACULATE COLLEGE | 18,173,113 | 250,937 | 59,593 | 189,809 | 197,922 | 95,613 | 18,966,987 | 27,342,501 |
| ST. PATRICK’S COLLEGE, DRUMCONDRA | 15,925,591 | 1,826,315 | 23,540 | 64,204 | 82,013 | 17,921,663 | 20,416,881 | |
| ATHLONE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 24,131,574 | 17,388 | 318,489 | 603,637 | 1,500 | 25,072,588 | 25,359,331 | |
| BLANCHARDSTOWN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 12,898,758 | 946 | 61,100 | 370,008 | 13,330,812 | 13,111,776 | ||
| INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, CARLOW | 21,629,987 | 62,599 | 174,297 | 341,152 | 6,381 | 22,214,416 | 22,805,989 | |
| CORK INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 55,436,954 | 122,768 | 1,795,762 | 757,416 | 58,112,900 | 63,334,282 | ||
| DUBLIN INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED STUDIES | 1,271,054 | 1,271,054 | 650,938 | |||||
| DUBLIN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 115,012,052 | 427,556 | 2,103,989 | 1,040,457 | 252,400 | 118,836,454 | 128,568,042 | |
| DUNDALK INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 26,731,626 | 80,449 | 526,245 | 408,556 | 27,746,876 | 25,527,274 | ||
| DUNLAOGHAIRE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 12,890,641 | (18,068) | (1,850) | 412,363 | 13,283,086 | 14,698,144 | ||
| GALWAY – MAYO INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 35,448,394 | 241,551 | 351,384 | 940,293 | 8,897 | 36,990,519 | 38,181,263 | |
| LETTERKENNY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 19,994,549 | 28,828 | 52,983 | 609,003 | 20,685,363 | 20,504,974 | ||
| LIMERICK INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 26,854,541 | 92,253 | 95,624 | 792,145 | 1,069,976 | 28,904,539 | 28,514,712 | |
| INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, SLIGO | 25,414,329 | 38,277 | 78,041 | 441,092 | 25,971,739 | 26,856,996 | ||
| INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, TALLAGHT | 21,364,125 | 86,064 | 417,683 | 259,708 | 22,127,580 | 25,364,451 | ||
| INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, TRALEE | 20,828,180 | 28,560 | 54,232 | 416,196 | 4,796 | 21,331,964 | 21,157,302 | |
| WATERFORD INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 43,823,326 | 58,938 | 890,218 | 698,969 | 112,247 | 45,583,698 | 46,561,751 | |
| FROEBEL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION | 462 | 19,630 | 20,092 | 12,106 | ||||
| HEANET | 1,070,000 | 129,954 | 5,704,001 | 6,903,955 | 8,376,660 | |||
| MATER DEI INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION | 3,182,001 | 17,660 | 29,828 | 3,229,489 | 3,490,190 | |||
| NATIONAL COLLEGE OF IRELAND | 397,567 | 89,730 | 178,041 | 665,338 | 651,458 | |||
| ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS IN IRELAND | 5,680,086 | 1,714,941 | 9,503 | 7,404,530 | 7,203,752 | |||
| ST. ANGELAS COLLEGE | 6,359,551 | 473,808 | 3,130 | 80,375 | 6,916,864 | 5,059,601 | ||
| TIPPERARY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 2,787,274 | (17,814) | 30,996 | 119,550 | 2,920,006 | 93,877 | ||
| MARINO INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION | 39,947 | 39,947 | 7,320 | |||||
| UK INSTITUTIONS | 78,852 | 71,528 | 307,088 | 457,468 | 900,114 | |||
| IRISH INSTITUTIONS | 2,303,943 | 2,866,231 | 5,170,174 | 732,946 | ||||
| PONTIFICAL UNIVERSITY | 2,426 | 18,184 | 6,370 | 26,980 | 14,722 | |||
| SUB TOTAL | 1,192,955,237 | 47,644,127 | 4,844,322 | 94,572,050 | 18,393,444 | 2,759,928 | 1,361,169,108 | 1,451,285,112 |
RECURRENT GRANTS | CAPITAL GRANTS | ERASMUS GRANTS | RESEARCH GRANTS | ACCESS GRANTS | EGF GRANTS | TOTAL 2011 | TOTAL 2010 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
€ | € | € | € | € | € | € | € | |
B/FWD | 1,192,955,237 | 47,644,127 | 4,844,322 | 94,572,050 | 18,393,444 | 2,759,928 | 1,361,169,108 | 1,451,285,112 |
| EINFRANET | 41,264 | 41,264 | 479,440 | |||||
| ESF/HERA/NORFACE/EUSCIENCE | 504,088 | 504,088 | 627,660 | |||||
| ST. NICHOLAS MONTESSORI COLLEGE | 18,026 | 18,026 | 7,618 | |||||
| TEAGASC | 89,734 | 89,734 | 100,188 | |||||
| ROYAL IRISH ACADEMY OF MUSIC | 28,200 | 28,200 | 24,569 | |||||
| MILLTOWN INSTITUTE OF THEOLOGY AND PHILOSOPHY | 0 | (852) | ||||||
| GRIFFITH COLLEGE | 593,750 | (11,298) | 582,452 | 20,752 | ||||
| SHANNON COLLEGE OF HOTEL MANAGEMENT | 94,090 | 9,041 | 103,131 | 163,603 | ||||
| INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR LOCAL & REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT | 75,001 | 75,001 | 150,000 | |||||
| INSTITUTES OF TECHNOLOGY IRELAND | 2,275,000 | 26,542 | 2,301,542 | 1,790,754 | ||||
| ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE | 100,000 | 100,000 | 105,365 | |||||
| ALL HALLOWS | 154,443 | 154,443 | - | |||||
| INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION | 74,200 | 74,200 | ||||||
| IRISH UNIVERSITY ASSOCIATION | 633,151 | 633,151 | 1,193,732 | |||||
| TOTAL | 1,196,531,338 | 47,644,127 | 4,973,340 | 95,408,679 | 18,393,444 | 2,923,412 | 1,365,874,340 | 1,455,947,941 |
RECURRENT GRANTS | CAPITAL GRANTS | ERASMUS GRANTS | RESEARCH GRANTS | ACCESS GRANTS | EGF GRANTS | TOTAL 2012 TO DATE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| INSTITUTION | € | € | € | € | € | € | € |
| NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND | 12,697 | 12,697 | |||||
| UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, DUBLIN | 114,388,759 | 12,648,629 | 848,960 | 7,155,595 | 208,648 | 135,250,592 | |
| UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK | 90,563,660 | 1,042,133 | 564,358 | 6,991,541 | 70,010 | 99,231,703 | |
| NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND, GALWAY | 74,991,533 | 310,972 | 472,313 | 9,947,076 | 30,186 | 85,752,080 | |
| NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND, MAYNOOTH | 35,102,091 | 7,792,475 | 200,748 | 1,300,338 | 1,250 | 44,396,902 | |
| TRINITY COLLEGE DUBLIN | 85,626,870 | 941,689 | 618,315 | 14,785,206 | 4,500 | 101,976,580 | |
| DUBLIN CITY UNIVERSITY | 44,847,614 | 332,006 | 2,790,822 | 21,009 | 47,991,451 | ||
| UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK | 59,701,789 | 4,875,967 | 1,023,791 | 2,350,987 | 992,393 | 68,944,927 | |
| NATIONAL COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN | 8,407,960 | 78,595 | 25,498 | 8,512,053 | |||
| ROYAL IRISH ACADEMY | 2,785,464 | 199,556 | 2,985,020 | ||||
| MARY IMMACULATE COLLEGE | 13,783,780 | 1,912,358 | 101,552 | 106,605 | 95,613 | 15,999,908 | |
| ST. PATRICK’S COLLEGE, DRUMCONDRA | 12,420,742 | 118,310 | 26,610 | 12,565,662 | |||
| ATHLONE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 15,616,651 | 21,671 | 24,000 | 27,357 | 1,500 | 15,691,179 | |
| BLANCHARDSTOWN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 7,409,070 | 37,228 | 24,000 | 57,360 | 7,527,658 | ||
| INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, CARLOW | 13,111,531 | 59,239 | 43,820 | 24,958 | 85,825 | 13,325,373 | |
| CORK INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 34,272,438 | 110,638 | 525,756 | 28,733 | 34,937,565 | ||
| DUBLIN INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED STUDIES | 166,879 | 166,879 | |||||
| DUBLIN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 66,561,793 | 516,658 | 605,109 | 26,302 | 260,885 | 67,970,747 | |
| DUNDALK INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 17,358,552 | 92,836 | 205,533 | 3,819 | 17,660,740 | ||
| DUNLAOGHAIRE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 7,578,533 | 28,635 | 0 | 68,979 | 7,676,147 | ||
| GALWAY – MAYO INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 21,502,948 | 260,937 | 74,000 | 50,293 | 15,147 | 21,903,325 | |
| LETTERKENNY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 11,828,490 | 51,710 | 9,910 | 45,764 | 11,935,874 | ||
| LIMERICK INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 15,695,582 | 71,513 | 36,000 | 39,645 | 1,203,066 | 17,045,806 | |
| INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, SLIGO | 14,727,867 | 43,624 | 21,160 | 6,706 | 19,300 | 14,818,657 | |
| INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, TALLAGHT | 12,206,813 | 90,055 | 2,302,413 | 14,599,281 | |||
| INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, TRALEE | 12,560,603 | 33,707 | 69,640 | 61,675 | 4,796 | 12,730,421 | |
| WATERFORD INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 27,431,317 | 63,791 | 302,916 | 21,885 | 174,416 | 27,994,325 | |
| FROEBEL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION | 5,825 | 5,825 | |||||
| HEANET | 175,954 | 1,160,866 | 1,336,820 | ||||
| MATER DEI INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION | 14,542 | 14,542 | |||||
| NATIONAL COLLEGE OF IRELAND | 13,586 | 13,586 | |||||
| ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS IN IRELAND | 835,152 | 835,152 | |||||
| ST. ANGELAS COLLEGE | 294,290 | 5,184 | 299,474 | ||||
| TIPPERARY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | |||||||
| MARINO INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION | |||||||
| UK INSTITUTIONS | 351,971 | 351,971 | |||||
| IRISH INSTITUTIONS | 1,405,067 | 1,405,067 | |||||
| PONTIFICAL UNIVERSITY | 9,743 | 9,743 | |||||
| SUB TOTAL | 820,495,148 | 29,994,467 | 5,876,484 | 52,100,574 | 2,425,344 | 2,983,715 | 913,875,731 |
| EINFRANET | |||||||
| ESF/HERA/NORFACE/EUSCIENCE | |||||||
| ST. NICHOLAS MONTESSORI COLLEGE | 14,442 | ||||||
| TEAGASC | 107,681 | ||||||
| ROYAL IRISH ACADEMY OF MUSIC | 23,383 | ||||||
| MILLTOWN INSTITUTE OF THEOLOGY AND PHILOSOPHY | |||||||
| GRIFFITH COLLEGE | 8,104 | ||||||
| SHANNON COLLEGE OF HOTEL MANAGEMENT | 172,587 | ||||||
| INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR LOCAL & REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT | |||||||
| INSTITUTES OF TECHNOLOGY IRELAND | |||||||
| ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE | |||||||
| ALL HALLOWS | |||||||
| INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION | |||||||
| IRISH UNIVERSITY ASSOCIATION | |||||||
| TOTAL | 820,495,148 | 29,994,467 | 6,095,000 | 52,208,255 | 2,425,344 | 2,983,715 | 914,201,928 |
| Institute | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| €000's | €000's | €000's | €000's | €000's | €000's | |
| Jan - Aug |
| Athlone Institute of Technology | 2,485 | 19,299 | 10,853 | 5,659 | 4,621 | 1,009 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown | 2,814 | 1,371 | 618 | 617 | 339 | 0 |
| Institute of Technology, Carlow | 1,291 | 831 | 1,185 | 5,393 | 542 | 2 |
| Cork Institute of Technology | 3,365 | 2,075 | 14,201 | 2,937 | 2,967 | 213 |
| Dublin Institute of Technology | 6,460 | 4,659 | 5,461 | 4,556 | 3,017 | 0 |
| Dundalk Institute of Technology | 2,422 | 3,251 | 14,763 | 4,114 | 661 | 0 |
| Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, | 124 | 563 | 957 | 1,593 | 342 | 0 |
| Design and Technology | ||||||
| Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology | 1,349 | 2,359 | 5,941 | 2,213 | 1,143 | 38 |
| Letterkenny Institute of Technology | 2,644 | 1,601 | 1,066 | 10,212 | 2,394 | 1,198 |
| Limerick Institute of Technology | 5,074 | 5,721 | 1,955 | 1,427 | 859 | 0 |
| Institute of Technology, Sligo | 3,780 | 1,148 | 984 | 5,877 | 2,970 | 150 |
| Institute of Technology, Tallaght | 863 | 2,752 | 1,357 | 1,957 | 1,540 | 0 |
| Institute of Technology, Tralee | 1,397 | 7,191 | 2,987 | 999 | 469 | 18 |
| Tipperary, Rural and Business | 32 | 158 | 159 | 222 | 0 | 0 |
| Development Institute (from 2011 paid to Limerick IOT) | ||||||
| Waterford Institute of Technology | 14,106 | 10,755 | 4,423 | 5,540 | 1,796 | 148 |
| Management Information Systems * | 0 | 810 | 1,889 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
407. Deputy Peter Mathews
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the entry requirement for third level education in respect of a family (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38099/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
The entry requirements for third level education courses are determined by individual higher education institutions and the processing of applications is administered by the CAO on their behalf. My Department does not have any role in relation to the operation of the CAO or the admissions policies of third level institutions. Details regarding applying for third level courses, including information for those who reside outside the EU, are available from the CAO Handbook which can be accessed on the cao website at www.cao.ie
408. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if he will support a matter (details supplied). [38112/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
The Towards Healing Counselling and Support Service is a Catholic Church Service which provides counselling and related support needs to survivors of abuse by clergy, religious and others working for the Church. As the Deputy will appreciate, my Department has no function in relation to this service.
409. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if he will support a matter (details supplied). [38113/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter for the relevant grant awarding authority. The Deputy will appreciate that in the absence of all of the relevant details that would be contained in an individual's application in relation to means, residency, nationality and previous academic attainment, it would not be possible for me to say whether or not a student would qualify for a grant.
410. Deputy Nicky McFadden
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if he has considered the submission made by the Irish Human Rights Commission on the issue of civic, social and political education; if the subject will remain a compulsory state examination subject in the new junior certificate curriculum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38122/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
The submission made by the Irish Human Rights Commission will be included in the decision making process for Junior Cycle reform. The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment provided its advice to me on Junior Cycle Reform in November 2011. Within that advice is the specification of 24 statements of learning which junior cycle students should learn. Included among these statements are a number that have a human rights perspective. For example, the students will "value what it means to be an active citizen, with rights and responsibilities in local and wider contexts". Since November 2011, consideration has been ongoing in relation to the implementation of junior cycle reform and I expect to complete this process in the near future. Therefore no decision has yet been made regarding specific subjects.
411. Deputy Seán Crowe
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if he will clarify, if a teacher is not registered with the Teaching Council then under existing legislation, if his Department is obliged to pay for their services from September onwards. [38222/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
It has been the policy of my Department for some time that only qualified and registered teachers should be employed by schools. This is set out most recently in Circular 31/2011. Current recruitment procedures direct schools to ensure that teachers proposed for appointment to publicly paid posts must be registered with the Teaching Council and have qualifications appropriate to the sector and suitable to the post for which they are proposed.
412. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
in relation to the eligibility for school transport to provide the precise collection and drop off point for children attending their nearest education centre as determined by his Department in respect of schools (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38231/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy Ciarán Cannon):
Bus Éireann has advised that as there are over 30 school transport services, carrying almost 900 children operating to the schools referred to by the Deputy, the complete list of pick up and set down points is not readily available. If the Deputy has a particular route in mind Bus Éireann will be requested to forward the information directly.
413. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if his attention has been drawn to the problems associated with building a new school block for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 8 which remains partially built and the third contractor still not on site to complete the long awaited school building; the steps he and his officials will take to ensure speedy completion of the building works which started three years ago; the reason the cheapest contractor is always engaged when the experience at this school shows that this is not always the most prudent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38246/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that my Department has recently authorised the issue of the letter of intent to the recommended contractor. This contractor must now produce certain documentation such as a bond, insurances, tax clearance etc. Subject to receipt of all the required documentation and provided no further issues arise, it is anticipated that the contractor will commence on site later this year. Compliance with public procurement procedures requires that the tender from the most economically advantageous tenderer (i.e. the preferred bidder) be examined in the first instance. It is not possible under national/EU procurement rules to pass over the preferred bidder and proceed to award a public contract to one of the other (more costly) tenderers.
Question No. 414 answered with Question No. 356.
415. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if he will consider the position of a special needs teacher (details supplied) in County Kerry. [38277/12]
424. Deputy Michael McGrath
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if he will provide details of the way the teaching panel system works, including details of the eligibility criteria for teachers who wish to join the panel, whereby permanent teaching vacancies are filled from the panel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38343/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 415 and 424 together.
416. Deputy Paudie Coffey
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
his plans to establish a review for the years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 into the expenses incurred by each of the President's Office of every institute of technology and university in the State, to ensure that correct tendering processes are being followed, and that other procedures in terms of the way in which moneys are being spent are being adhered to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38282/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
My Department and the Higher Education Authority (HEA) are committed to ensuring the efficient and effective spend of all resources within higher education. While it would clearly not be feasible for my Department or the HEA to monitor or approve all individual levels of expenditure within the higher education sector, there are clear accountability and governance procedures in place within institutions, and reporting mechanisms to me, as Minster, and to the Oireachtas. In particular, under both University and IOT legislation, the President is the Accountable Officer and is answerable to the Committees of the Oireachtas in relation to the disposal of monies. The legislation also provides that the C&AG undertakes annual audits of the financial statements of universities and institutes of technology which includes a review of expenditure incurred by the institutions, and the C&AG reports regularly on these audits.
417. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if he will provide a breakdown of the cost to contractors carrying children to school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38312/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy Ciarán Cannon):
The overall spend on school transport, which provides for all aspects of school transport provision including the payment of grants, amounted to over €171 million in 2011. The 2012 allocation is almost €170million. Payments to private contractors amounted to over €105million or some 61% of the total cost of school transport provision in 2011. Some 85% of the vehicles used to provide services under the School Transport Scheme, equivalent to over 3,300 vehicles, are provided by private operators under contract to Bus Éireann. Private contractors carried over 70,000 pupils in 2011. While the cost of individual routes or services is regarded as commercially sensitive, the Value for Money Review of the School Transport Scheme showed that the school transport unit cost per mainstream child is some €1,000 while the school transport unit cost per child with special educational needs including the cost of an escort is in the region of €9,000 per annum.
418. Deputy Charlie McConalogue
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the number of students who have accepted places on postgraduate courses for 2012/2013; the number that accepted places on postgraduate courses in 2011/2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38318/12]
419. Deputy Charlie McConalogue
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the number of students who have applied for a place on a postgraduate course for 2012/2013; the number that applied for a place on a postgraduate courses in 2011/2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38319/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 418 and 419 together.
I have attached a table showing data on Postgraduate research (1st year enrolments and all postgraduate 1st year enrolments) for the years 2010/11 and 2011/12. The data shows that the number of 1st year Research enrolments (Masters and Phd) increased from 1,862 in 2010/11 to 2,156 in 2011/12 which represents an overall increase of 16%. The number of 1st year postgraduates (research and taught) remained stable in the same time period. The provisional Postgraduate enrolments for 2012/13 will not be available until mid December.
1st Year Full-time Postgraduate Enrolments | |||||
Institutes of Technology | Universities & Colleges | Total | |||
| Research Masters & PhDs | |||||
| 2010/11 | 33 | 1829 | 1862 | ||
| 2011/12 | 65 | 2091 | 2156 | ||
| All Postgraduates | |||||
| 2010/11 | 829 | 11665 | 12494 | ||
| 2011/12 | 876 | 11548 | 12424 | ||
420. Deputy Eamonn Maloney
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
in the case of primary teachers who started teaching in 2011, the numbers of such teachers and the numbers of such teachers in the age bands 20-23 years, 23-25 years, 25-27 years, 27-30 years and more than 30 years or, as an alternative to age bands, the years of birth of these teachers as notified to his Department. [38333/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
The information sought by the Deputy is set out in the following table.
Primary Teachers who started Teaching in 2011 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Age in 2012 | Number of teachers | |
| 20 to 23 years of age | 1,019 | |
| 24 to 25 years of age | 238 | |
| 26 to 27 years of age | 138 | |
| 28 to 29 years of age | 120 | |
| aged 30 and over | 312 | |
| Total | 1,827 | |
| This covers teachers employed on a full time, part time and casual basis. | ||
421. Deputy Charlie McConalogue
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if he will details of the student loan scheme for students on offer by Bank of Ireland which has received the approval of the Minister for Finance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38338/12]
422. Deputy Charlie McConalogue
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the efforts he has made to ensure the best deal for students before supporting the new Bank of Ireland student loan scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38339/12]
423. Deputy Charlie McConalogue
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
his views on whether the new Bank of Ireland student loan scheme, for which he expressed public support, is a fair scheme for students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38340/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 421 to 423, inclusive, together.
Question No. 424 answered with Question No. 415.
425. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if he will provide details of the grants available for school transport when students are eligible as they reside more than 4.8kms from their nearest education centre as determined by his Department and where there is no school transport service provided by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38344/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy Ciarán Cannon):
Under the terms of my Department's Post Primary School Transport Scheme children are eligible for transport where they reside not less than 4.8 kms from and are attending their nearest education centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language. A minimum number of 10 eligible children residing in a distinct locality, as determined by Bus Éireann, are required before consideration may be given to the establishment or retention of school transport services, provided this can be done within reasonable cost limits.
426. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if a student (details supplied) in County Laois will be approved for school transport on a bus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38363/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy Ciarán Cannon):
Bus Éireann which operates the School Transport Scheme, on behalf of my Department, has advised that a ticket for school transport services issued to the pupil in question in August.
427. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if a person (details supplied) in County Laois will be approved for a student support grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38365/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
The decision on eligibility for new student grant applications is a matter for the central grant awarding authority SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland). Renewal applications will continue to be dealt with by the existing 66 grant awarding authorities. The Deputy will appreciate that in the absence of all of the relevant details that would be contained in an individual's application in relation to means, residency, nationality and previous academic attainment, it would not be possible for me to say whether or not a student would qualify for a grant. The student referred to by the Deputy is advised to submit a fully completed online grant application to SUSI via the studentfinance.ie website. Further information on the student grant is also available on this website.
428. Deputy Mattie McGrath
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the total number of retired primary and second level teachers who have retired between 1 February 2009 and 29 February 2012 and who are currently on his Department's payroll; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38415/12]
429. Deputy Mattie McGrath
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the total number of retired primary and second level teachers who have retired between 1 February 2009 and 29 February 2012 and who are currently on his Department's payroll and being paid by payable order; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38416/12]
430. Deputy Mattie McGrath
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the total number of retired primary and second level teachers who have retired between 1 February 2009 and 29 February 2012 and who are currently on his Department's payroll and who had the salary increase of 2.5% payable from 1 September 2008 included when their gratuity and pension entitlements were being calculated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38417/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 428 to 430, inclusive, together.
431. Deputy Brendan Griffin
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
his views on a matter regarding teacher remuneration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38432/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
The Government announced as part of Budget 2012 that, pending completion of the public service-wide review of allowances, changes to teacher qualification allowances were being made with immediate effect. These changes affect new allowances payable to both existing teachers and to new appointees in the future.
432. Deputy Seán Crowe
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the number of teachers accessing each of the common basic pay scales at primary and post primary level. [38440/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
The information sought is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy.
433. Deputy Seán Crowe
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if any Department here conducted a cost benefit analysis that would accrue from increasing teaching hours from the current ceiling of 22 hours per week; and the implications this would have for maintaining and lowering pupil ratios in primary and post primary schools. [38441/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
The ceiling of 22 hours that the Deputy refers to does not apply at primary level where the standard school week is 28 hours and 40 minutes and the weekly class contact time is 25 hours. Class contact time for pupils at post-primary level is 28 hours per week. Full-time teachers are generally timetabled for up to 22 hours per week which equates to about 33 class periods per week. An increase in the existing arrangements beyond 22 hours teaching per week would reduce the overall number of teachers required at post-primary level and would therefore result in cost savings for the Exchequer.
434. Deputy Mattie McGrath
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if schools are obliged to implement an individual education plan for children with special needs who are progressing through the mainstream system; the avenue available to a parent who is not satisfied that their special needs child is receiving the proper facilities to allow them to progress through the mainstream school system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38451/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Departments Learning Support Guidelines, which are available at www.education.ie, recommend that an individual profile and learning programme should be devised for all children who are receiving supplementary teaching from a learning-support teacher. Schools are encouraged to use individual education plans through policy guidance, support, and training.
435. Deputy Seán Crowe
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the number of retired teachers who are to be redeployed from September, 2012 onwards, on a temporary capacity, to cover teachers on maternity or sick leave. [38463/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
The details of the redeployment arrangements are published on my Department's website. The fundamental purpose of redeployment is to ensure surplus permanent teachers are redeployed into vacancies in other schools. My Department does not provide for the redeployment of retired teachers.
436. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the amount of money spent on an annual basis on education and training of staff in 2011 and to date in 2012; the number of staff that availed of each course; if he will provide a list of the courses staff undertook and the cost of each course per person. [38483/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
The staff training and development budget at my Department covers the cost of training and development for officials in the administrative, professional, technical and service grades. Spending is targeted at the priority business needs of sections and divisions in order that the staffing resource at my Department continues to develop their skills in key areas which include: financial management; information and communications technology; project management; legal matters; management development and evaluation.
Officials are encouraged to pursue relevant third level and further education programmes in their own time to broaden their skills and qualifications in order to assist the Department in meeting current and future challenges. Officials are currently undertaking course in areas that include Public Management, Education, Economic Policy, Legislative Drafting and Human Resource Management. In 2011 the Department spent €496,607 on training and development and the corresponding figure to date in 2012 is €233,560. The following tabular statement give details of the type of courses pursued, the cost and the number of participants.
| Category | 2011 Cost | Participants | Average Cost P/P | 2012 Cost to date | Participants | Average Cost P/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Service Training & Development Centre | 4,166.77 | 5 | 833.35 | 2,760.00 | 3 | 920.00 |
| Financial Training | 4,749.50 | 127 | 37.40 | 12,122.74 | 53 | 228.73 |
| Health & Safety Training | 8,516.25 | 161 | 52.89 | 4,530.00 | 79 | 57.34 |
| Inspectorate CPD | 29,634.86 | 164 | 180.70 | 22,069.75 | 130 | 169.77 |
| National Educational and Psychological Service (NEPS) CPD | 53,344.00 | 442 | 120.69 | 32,947.00 | 575 | 57.30 |
| Irish Language | 13,453.10 | 64 | 210.20 | 400.00 | 2 | 200.00 |
| IT End User Training courses | 19,216.47 | 140 | 137.26 | 3,591.00 | 63 | 57.00 |
| IT Unit Technical Courses | 57,048.78 | 80 | 713.11 | 50,444.40 | 56 | 900.82 |
| Legal Training | 1,010.00 | 8 | 126.25 | 6,040.00 | 11 | 549.10 |
| Management Development / Leadership training | 38,140.80 | 158 | 241.40 | 1,995.00 | 1 | 1,995.00 |
| Writing Skills | 600.00 | 1 | 600.00 | 3,950.00 | 67 | 58.95 |
| Conferences and Seminars | 12,189.94 | 83 | 146.87 | 3,458.46 | 18 | 192.14 |
| Academic Fees | 235,376.35 | 82 | 2,912.02 | 81,202.64 | 23 | 3,416.65 |
| Other Training Events( Customer Service, E.U. Related, Data Protection | 19,160.75 | 42 | 456.20 | 8,050.00 | 42 | 196.34 |
| Total Training spend 2011 | 496,607.57 | 233,560.99 |
437. Deputy Tom Fleming
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if he will intervene and address the dilemma that exists at a school (details supplied) in County Kerry and ensure that this school continues to provide education for the children of the parish for many years to come [38500/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
The Deputy will be aware that under the Education Act 1998, legally, all schools are managed by school Boards of Management, on behalf of the school patrons or trustees, and it is the Board of Management that employs the teachers at the school. Accordingly, whereas I provide funding and policy direction for schools, neither I nor the Department have legal powers to instruct schools to follow a particular course of direction with regards to individual complaint cases, or to investigate individual complaints except where the complaint involves a refused enrolment, expulsion or suspension, in accordance with Section 29 of the 1998 Education Act. In general, the Board has the responsibility to ensure that the school operates efficiently and effectively, to take all reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of pupils in its care and, as employer, the Board also has responsibilities in relation to the action of its employees. Matters relating to the management of schools are dealt with at local level.
438. Deputy Nicky McFadden
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if changes can be made to the school transport scheme to allow children who hold a medical card, but who are not attending their nearest school, or do not meet the distance criteria, to avail of free transport on a concessionary basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38552/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy Ciarán Cannon):
Under the terms of my Department's School Transport Scheme, eligible children who hold valid Medical Cards (GMS Scheme) are exempt from paying school transport charges. Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply to Bus Éireann for transport on a concessionary basis only subject to a number of conditions which are detailed in the scheme. These children are not exempt from paying the annual charge. Given the serious fiscal conditions, I have no plans at this stage to change the current arrangements.
439. Deputy Brendan Griffin
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the position regarding the rate of pay and pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38553/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
The person to whom the Deputy refers is employed as a teacher with effect from 1 September 2012. There is no record of the person to whom the Deputy refers being paid on my Departments payroll prior to 1 January 2011. Accordingly, the terms of Circular 0040/2011 apply. Circular 0040/2011, published in June 2011 and available on my Department's website, outlines the application by the Government in Budget 2011 of a 10% reduction in the pay of new entrants to the public service. All new appointees to the entry grades of the public service must start at the first point of the relevant pay scale with effect from 1 January 2011.
440. Deputy John Lyons
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the position regarding the provision of secondary education in respect of a child (details supplied) in Dublin 11. [38582/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
My Department provides for a range of placement options and supports for schools which have enrolled pupils with special educational needs in order to ensure that, wherever a child is enrolled, s/he will have access to an appropriate education. The enrolment of a child in a school is a matter in the first instance for the parents of the child and the Board of Management of a school. My Department has no role in relation to processing applications for enrolment to schools.
441. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
his plans to open a school (details supplied) in County Kildare in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38585/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
The Deputy will be aware that the Department of Education and Skills recently terminated the contractor's obligation to complete the works at St Anne's National School in Ardclough, Co Kildare. The Department is liaising with the school authorities and has instructed the Design Team to commence work on procuring a completion contractor to complete the works. Subject to no issues arising, it is anticipated that the project will be completed in the coming months.
442. Deputy Pat Breen
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the reason a person (details supplied) has not been facilitated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38598/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy Ciarán Cannon):
Bus Éireann which operates the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department has advised that a ticket has been issued to the pupil referred to by the Deputy in the details supplied.
443. Deputy Pat Breen
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the reason a person (details supplied) has not been facilitated with school transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38599/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy Ciarán Cannon):
My Department has requested Bus Éireann to submit a report. When this report is received my Department will be in contact with the family.
444. Deputy Emmet Stagg
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if it is permissible that the panel system for the redeployment of national teachers maybe used to circumvent the threatened dismissal of a teacher thereby enabling such teacher to evade sacking by relocation to another school. [38624/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
The core function of the redeployment panels at primary level is to enable the redeployment of teachers who are surplus in one school to another school that has a vacancy. Under the panel arrangements, the most junior eligible permanent teacher in a school with surplus teaching staff is placed on the panel for redeployment to another school.
445. Deputy Pat Breen
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the position regarding an application for assitive technology in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38674/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
I wish to advise the Deputy that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) for allocating Resource Teachers and Special Needs Assistants to schools to support children with special educational needs. SENOs also make recommendations to my Department where assistive technology support is required. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in recommending such support. I can confirm that an application for assistive technology support for the child referred to by the Deputy has been received in my Department. The child's school have been asked to provide some outstanding information in relation to this application and a decision will then issue to the school upon receipt of this outstanding information.
446. Deputy Charlie McConalogue
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the reason additional funding that was previously sanctioned to a school ( details supplied) in County Kerry has not been paid following works that have been completed as per the original application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38681/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
The school referred to by the Deputy was allocated funding on a devolved basis in 2004 for the provision of an Autistic Unit. A devolved project allows individual school authorities the means to address their accommodation and building priorities with a guaranteed amount of funding and gives them day to day control of their building project. It is a central tenet of the devolved schemes that responsibility for the management of a project, including cost control, rests with the school authority. All of the funding approved by my Department for this project have been paid to the school authority.
447. Deputy Pat Breen
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the status of a project in a school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38701/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
My Department has asked the school, referred to by the Deputy, for further information relating to its application for significant additional funding for the provision of an ASD unit. When this information is received, the application will be assessed and a decision in the matter will be conveyed to the school authority.
448. Deputy Willie O'Dea
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
his views on the intention to remove all public sector allowances from newly qualified teachers and the way he can justify the inequity of two colleagues performing the same duties with a possible differential of €4,426.00 per annum in their salary whilst being employed by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38703/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
The Government announced as part of Budget 2012 that, pending completion of the public service-wide review of allowances, changes to teacher qualification allowances were being made with immediate effect. These changes affect new allowances payable to both existing teachers and to new appointees in the future. Under Budget 2012 teachers appointed before 5 December 2011 are not paid an allowance where they acquire further qualifications after that date. Allowances for teachers first appointed between 5 December 2011 and 31 January 2012 are payable up to a maximum of €4,226 which was the rate applicable to Honours Primary Degree allowance. The position of teachers who, on 5 December 2011, were undertaking courses will be considered in the context of the review.
449. Deputy Charlie McConalogue
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the number of post-primary teachers currently registered with the Teaching Council that presented a degree qualification satisfying the subject requirement for mathematics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38737/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
The Teaching Council is the statutory body with responsibility for registering teachers. The Council's 2009 Registration Regulations set out the criteria for registration. I am advised by the Teaching Council that currently there are just under 4,340 teachers registered on the basis of qualifications in mathematics.
450. Deputy Charlie McConalogue
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if he will provide details for the past five years of the total number of schools each year that did not enter any students for the higher level leaving certificate maths exam; the names and addresses of the schools and the school's DEIS status if any. [38738/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
There are some 723 post primary schools. A total of 691 schools had candidates entered for Higher Level Mathematics in 2012. There were 696 in 2011, 711 in 2010, 697 in 2009 and 699 in 2008. Note that in some cases while a school may be willing and able to offer Higher Level Mathematics, there are no students who wish to take the course or the examination at Higher Level.
451. Deputy Charlie McConalogue
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if he will provide a breakdown of the mathematics results here from the most recent PISA test, showing the percentage of correct answers and questions skipped for the following categories (details supplied) [38739/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
The full information which the deputy has requested is not available. However, chapter 9 of "PISA 2009: Results for Ireland and Changes Since 2000" which was published by the Education Research Centre in June 2012 outlines student performance on the various item types. This is available at:http://www.erc.ie/documents/pisa2009main_nationalreport.pdf. In addition, the Education Research Centre has analysed performance in PISA 2003 and 2009, and compared the percent correct, incorrect, missing and not reached on all items, and multiple choice, short response, and longer written response items for a set of mathematics items that was administered in both cycles. This information on the performance of Irish students is available at the link: http://www.erc.ie/documents/engagement_and_performance_over_time.pdf
452. Deputy Seán Crowe
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if the Christian Brothers are planning to donate land they own at Summerhill in Nenagh, County Tipperary, as part of an arrangement with his Department to compensate the survivors of residential abuse. [38769/12]
453. Deputy Seán Crowe
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if it is possible for his Department to help facilitate a partnership arrangement between the Christian Brothers and Nenagh Town Council in order that land owned by the former at Summerhill Nenagh, County Tipperary, may be developed to provide essential amenities which would include three GAA pitches and a running track for public use. [38770/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 452 and 453 together.
454. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if he will confirm the status of the report of the International Review Panel on the structures of teacher education; if he has accepted all of the recommendations of the report; if he will outline in detail the implications of the report for a college (details supplied) in County Sligo; the timeline for the implementation of the report's recommendations in relation to this college; his plans for this college; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38785/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
I have accepted the recommendations set out in a report commissioned by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on the structures of initial teacher education. The purpose of the report, which I requested, was to identify new possible structures to improve initial teacher education in Ireland so that it is comparable with the best in the world.
455. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
when a student grant will be approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38788/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter for the relevant grant awarding authority.
456. Deputy Catherine Murphy
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the expected date on which a school (details supplied) in County Kildare will be in a position to open the new school buildings constructed there; the reason for the delay in opening the new buildings; if he will outline all existing planning impediments and compliance orders related to the new building works; if he will provide details of his Department's correspondence with the construction company regarding the delay in opening the new buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38795/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
The Deputy will be aware that the Department of Education and Skills recently terminated the contractor's obligation to complete the works at St Anne's National School in Ardclough, Co Kildare. The Department is liaising with the school authorities and has instructed the Design Team to commence work on procuring a completion contractor to complete the works. Subject to no issues arising, it is anticipated that the project will be completed in the coming months.
457. Deputy Simon Harris
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the number of teachers at primary level that are not currently Garda vetted; the number of teachers at secondary level that are not currently Garda vetted; the plans that are in place to ensure that all teachers are Garda vetted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38840/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
The arrangements for vetting of teaching and non-teaching staff were introduced in September 2006. In late 2010, my Department issued Circular 0063/2010 which updated and clarified the requirements for Garda vetting as part of recruitment procedures for all teaching and non-teaching positions.
458. Deputy Dominic Hannigan
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if he will outline, in tabular form, both the number and the percentage of women and men on State boards under the aegis of his Department in each of the past ten years; if he will provide the most up-to-date figures available regarding the number and percentage of women and men on State boards under the aegis of his Department in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38855/12]
465. Deputy Anne Ferris
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the steps he is taking to ensure that State boards have at least 40% of each gender, as provided for in the Programme for Government; the percentage at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39151/12]
452. Deputy Seán Crowe
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if the Christian Brothers are planning to donate land they own at Summerhill in Nenagh, County Tipperary, as part of an arrangement with his Department to compensate the survivors of residential abuse. [38769/12]
453. Deputy Seán Crowe
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if it is possible for his Department to help facilitate a partnership arrangement between the Christian Brothers and Nenagh Town Council in order that land owned by the former at Summerhill Nenagh, County Tipperary, may be developed to provide essential amenities which would include three GAA pitches and a running track for public use. [38770/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 452 and 453 together.
454. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if he will confirm the status of the report of the International Review Panel on the structures of teacher education; if he has accepted all of the recommendations of the report; if he will outline in detail the implications of the report for a college (details supplied) in County Sligo; the timeline for the implementation of the report's recommendations in relation to this college; his plans for this college; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38785/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
I have accepted the recommendations set out in a report commissioned by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on the structures of initial teacher education. The purpose of the report, which I requested, was to identify new possible structures to improve initial teacher education in Ireland so that it is comparable with the best in the world.
455. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
when a student grant will be approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38788/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter for the relevant grant awarding authority.
456. Deputy Catherine Murphy
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the expected date on which a school (details supplied) in County Kildare will be in a position to open the new school buildings constructed there; the reason for the delay in opening the new buildings; if he will outline all existing planning impediments and compliance orders related to the new building works; if he will provide details of his Department's correspondence with the construction company regarding the delay in opening the new buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38795/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
The Deputy will be aware that the Department of Education and Skills recently terminated the contractor's obligation to complete the works at St Anne's National School in Ardclough, Co Kildare. The Department is liaising with the school authorities and has instructed the Design Team to commence work on procuring a completion contractor to complete the works. Subject to no issues arising, it is anticipated that the project will be completed in the coming months.
457. Deputy Simon Harris
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the number of teachers at primary level that are not currently Garda vetted; the number of teachers at secondary level that are not currently Garda vetted; the plans that are in place to ensure that all teachers are Garda vetted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38840/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
The arrangements for vetting of teaching and non-teaching staff were introduced in September 2006. In late 2010, my Department issued Circular 0063/2010 which updated and clarified the requirements for Garda vetting as part of recruitment procedures for all teaching and non-teaching positions.
458. Deputy Dominic Hannigan
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if he will outline, in tabular form, both the number and the percentage of women and men on State boards under the aegis of his Department in each of the past ten years; if he will provide the most up-to-date figures available regarding the number and percentage of women and men on State boards under the aegis of his Department in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38855/12]
465. Deputy Anne Ferris
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the steps he is taking to ensure that State boards have at least 40% of each gender, as provided for in the Programme for Government; the percentage at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39151/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 458 and 465 together.
Statistics on the representation of women on state boards have been collated centrally since 2003. Data for the years 2003 to 2011, showing the breakdown by gender for State Boards under the aegis of my Department, is set out below as requested by the Deputy.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to ensure that all State Boards have at least 40 per cent of each gender. The most recent data available, which is the position as at 31st December 2011, shows that 40% of Ministerial representatives on State Bodies under the aegis of my Department were female and 60% were male. Including members nominated by other bodies, 43% of the total membership of these State Bodies was female and 57% were male.
| Number and Percentage of Women and Men on State Boards under the aegis of the Department | ||||||||||||||
| Name of Board | 2011 | 2010 | ||||||||||||
| Men | Women | % | Total | Men | % | Women | % | Total | ||||||
| The Teaching Council | 20 | 54% | 17 | 46% | 37 | 20 | 54% | 17 | 46% | 37 | ||||
| Higher Education Authority (HEA) | 8 | 42% | 11 | 58% | 19 | 4 | 40% | 6 | 60% | 10 | ||||
| Irish Research Council for the | ||||||||||||||
| Humanities and Social Sciences (IRCHSS) | 8 | 67% | 4 | 33% | 12 | 8 | 67% | 4 | 33% | 12 | ||||
| Irish Research Council for Science | ||||||||||||||
| Engineering & Technology (IRCSET) | 10 | 71% | 4 | 29% | 14 | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | 0 | ||||
| Residential Institutions Redress | Board | 4 | 36% | 7 | 64% | 11 | 5 | 7 | 12 | |||||
| Residential Institutions Review Committee | 5 | 83% | 1 | 17% | 6 | 4 | 80% | 1 | 20% | 5 | ||||
| Education Finance Board | 7 | 78% | 2 | 22% | 9 | 7 | 78% | 2 | 22% | 9 | ||||
| Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse | 3 | 43% | 4 | 57% | 7 | 3 | 43% | 4 | 57% | 7 | ||||
| An Comhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta | ||||||||||||||
| & Gaelscolaiochta (COGG) | 8 | 38% | 13 | 62% | 21 | 8 | 38% | 13 | 62% | 21 | ||||
| National Council for Curriculum & | ||||||||||||||
| Assessment (NCCA) | 13 | 52% | 12 | 48% | 25 | 14 | 56% | 11 | 44% | 25 | ||||
| National Centre for Guidance in Education | 6 | 55% | 5 | 45% | 11 | 6 | 55% | 5 | 45% | 11 | ||||
| State Examinations Commission | 3 | 60% | 2 | 40% | 5 | 3 | 60% | 2 | 40% | 5 | ||||
| Skillnets Ltd | 11 | 85% | 2 | 15% | 13 | 11 | 85% | 2 | 15% | 13 | ||||
| An Foras Aiseanna Saothair (FAS) | 8 | 73% | 3 | 27% | 11 | 8 | 73% | 3 | 27% | 11 | ||||
| FETAC | 7 | 58% | 5 | 42% | 12 | 9 | 60% | 6 | 40% | 15 | ||||
| HETAC | 6 | 50% | 6 | 50% | 12 | 9 | 60% | 6 | 40% | 15 | ||||
| National Qualifications Authority of Ireland | 8 | 67% | 4 | 33% | 12 | 12 | 86% | 2 | 14% | 14 | ||||
| National Council for Special Education | 7 | 54% | 6 | 46% | 13 | 6 | 50% | 6 | 50% | 12 | ||||
| Grangegorman Development Agency | 9 | 60% | 6 | 40% | 15 | 9 | 60% | 6 | 40% | 15 | ||||
| Leargas | 1 | 25% | 3 | 75% | 4 | 4 | 44% | 5 | 56% | 9 | ||||
| Totals | 152 | 57% | 117 | 43% | 269 | 150 | 58% | 108 | 42% | 258 | ||||
| Number and Percentage of Women and Men on State Boards under the aegis of the Department | ||||||||||||||
| Name of Board | 2009 | 2008 | ||||||||||||
| Men | Women | % | Total | Men | % | Women | % | Total | ||||||
| The Teaching Council | 20 | 54% | 17 | 46% | 37 | 20 | 54% | 17 | 46% | 37 | ||||
| HEA | 10 | 53% | 9 | 47% | 19 | 9 | 50% | 9 | 50% | 18 | ||||
| IRCHSS | 7 | 58% | 5 | 42% | 12 | 6 | 50% | 6 | 50% | 12 | ||||
| IRCSET | 9 | 60% | 6 | 40% | 15 | 9 | 60% | 6 | 40% | 15 | ||||
| Residential Institutions Redress | Board | 5 | 42% | 7 | 58% | 12 | 5 | 42% | 7 | 58% | 12 | |||
| Residential Institutions Review Committee | 4 | 80% | 1 | 20% | 5 | 4 | 40% | 1 | 20% | 5 | ||||
| Education Finance Board | 5 | 56% | 4 | 44% | 9 | 5 | 56% | 4 | 44% | 9 | ||||
| Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse | 3 | 43% | 4 | 57% | 7 | 3 | 43% | 4 | 57% | 7 | ||||
| An Comhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta | ||||||||||||||
| & Gaelscolaiochta (COGG) | 9 | 43% | 12 | 57% | 21 | 9 | 43% | 12 | 57% | 21 | ||||
| National Council for Curriculum & | ||||||||||||||
| Assessment (NCCA) | 14 | 56% | 11 | 44% | 25 | 14 | 56% | 11 | 44% | 25 | ||||
| National Centre for Guidance in Education | ||||||||||||||
| State Examinations Commission | 3 | 60% | 2 | 40% | 5 | 3 | 60% | 2 | 40% | 5 | ||||
| Skillnets Ltd | ||||||||||||||
| An Foras Aiseanna Saothair (FAS) | ||||||||||||||
| FETAC | 9 | 60% | 6 | 40% | 15 | 10 | 62% | 6 | 38% | 16 | ||||
| HETAC | 9 | 60% | 6 | 40% | 15 | 7 | 54% | 6 | 46% | 13 | ||||
| National Qualifications Authority of Ireland | 8 | 57% | 6 | 43% | 14 | 11 | 79% | 3 | 21% | 14 | ||||
| National Council for Special Education | 7 | 54% | 6 | 46% | 13 | 5 | 45% | 6 | 55% | 11 | ||||
| Grangegorman Development Agency | 9 | 60% | 6 | 40% | 15 | 11 | 73% | 4 | 27% | 15 | ||||
| Leargas | 3 | 33% | 6 | 67% | 9 | 2 | 25% | 6 | 75% | 8 | ||||
| Totals | 134 | 54% | 114 | 46% | 248 | 133 | 55% | 110 | 45% | 243 | ||||
| Number and Percentage of Women and Men on State Boards under the aegis of the Department | ||||||||||||||
| Name of Board | 2007 | 2006 | ||||||||||||
| Men | Women | % | Total | Men | % | Women | % | Total | ||||||
| The Teaching Council | 20 | 54% | 17 | 46% | 37 | 20 | 54% | 17 | 46% | 37 | ||||
| HEA | 10 | 53% | 9 | 47% | 19 | 11 | 61% | 7 | 39% | 18 | ||||
| IRCHSS | 6 | 50% | 6 | 50% | 12 | 6 | 50% | 6 | 50% | 12 | ||||
| IRCSET | 9 | 60% | 6 | 40% | 15 | 9 | 60% | 6 | 40% | 15 | ||||
| Residential Institutions Redress | Board | 5 | 42% | 7 | 58% | 12 | 4 | 36% | 7 | 64% | 11 | |||
| Residential Institutions Review Committee | 4 | 80% | 1 | 20% | 5 | 3 | 75% | 1 | 25% | 4 | ||||
| Education Finance Board | 5 | 56% | 4 | 44% | 9 | 5 | 56% | 4 | 44% | 9 | ||||
| Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse | ||||||||||||||
| An Comhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta | ||||||||||||||
| & Gaelscolaiochta (COGG) | 9 | 43% | 12 | 57% | 21 | 11 | 52% | 10 | 48% | 21 | ||||
| National Council for Curriculum & | ||||||||||||||
| Assessment (NCCA) | 14 | 56% | 11 | 44% | 25 | 14 | 56% | 11 | 44% | 25 | ||||
| National Centre for Guidance in Education | ||||||||||||||
| State Examinations Commission | 3 | 60% | 2 | 40% | 5 | 3 | 60% | 2 | 40% | 5 | ||||
| Skillnets Ltd | ||||||||||||||
| An Foras Aiseanna Saothair (FAS) | ||||||||||||||
| FETAC | 10 | 67% | 5 | 33% | 15 | 8 | 53% | 7 | 47% | 15 | ||||
| HETAC | 9 | 60% | 6 | 40% | 15 | 11 | 79% | 3 | 21% | 14 | ||||
| National Qualifications Authority of Ireland | 11 | 79% | 3 | 21% | 14 | 10 | 71% | 4 | 29% | 14 | ||||
| National Council for Special Education | 7 | 54% | 6 | 46% | 13 | 6 | 50% | 6 | 50% | 12 | ||||
| Grangegorman Development Agency | 10 | 71% | 4 | 29% | 14 | 11 | 79% | 3 | 21% | 14 | ||||
| Leargas | 4 | 40% | 6 | 60% | 10 | 4 | 40% | 6 | 60% | 10 | ||||
| Totals | 136 | 56% | 105 | 44% | 241 | 136 | 58% | 100 | 42% | 236 | ||||
| Number and Percentage of Women and Men on State Boards under the aegis of the Department | ||||||||||||||
| Name of Board | 2005 | 2004 | ||||||||||||
| Men | Women | % | Total | Men | % | Women | % | Total | ||||||
| The Teaching Council | 20 | 54% | 17 | 46% | 37 | |||||||||
| HEA | 10 | 59% | 7 | 41% | 17 | 12 | 63% | 7 | 37% | 19 | ||||
| IRCHSS | 5 | 42% | 7 | 58% | 12 | 5 | 42% | 7 | 58% | 12 | ||||
| IRCSET | 14 | 61% | 9 | 39% | 23 | 14 | 61% | 9 | 39% | 23 | ||||
| Residential Institutions Redress | Board | 5 | 45% | 6 | 55% | 11 | 4 | 40% | 6 | 60% | 10 | |||
| Residential Institutions Review Committee | 3 | 75% | 1 | 25% | 4 | 3 | 75% | 1 | 25% | 4 | ||||
| Education Finance Board | ||||||||||||||
| Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse | ||||||||||||||
| An Comhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta | ||||||||||||||
| & Gaelscolaiochta (COGG) | ||||||||||||||
| National Council for Curriculum & | ||||||||||||||
| Assessment (NCCA) | 17 | 68% | 8 | 32% | 25 | 17 | 68% | 8 | 32% | 25 | ||||
| National Centre for Guidance in Education | ||||||||||||||
| State Examinations Commission | 3 | 60% | 2 | 40% | 5 | 3 | 60% | 2 | 40% | 5 | ||||
| Skillnets Ltd | ||||||||||||||
| An Foras Aiseanna Saothair (FAS) | ||||||||||||||
| FETAC | 11 | 61% | 7 | 39% | 18 | 9 | 56% | 7 | 44% | 16 | ||||
| HETAC | 11 | 73% | 4 | 27% | 15 | 10 | 67% | 5 | 33% | 15 | ||||
| National Qualifications Authority of Ireland | 8 | 57% | 6 | 43% | 14 | 8 | 57% | 6 | 43% | 14 | ||||
| National Council for Special Education | 6 | 46% | 7 | 54% | 13 | 6 | 46% | 7 | 54% | 13 | ||||
| Grangegorman Development Agency | ||||||||||||||
| Leargas | 5 | 62% | 3 | 38% | 8 | 5 | 62% | 3 | 38% | 8 | ||||
| Totals | 118 | 58% | 84 | 42% | 202 | 96 | 59% | 68 | 41% | 164 | ||||
| Number and Percentage of Women and Men on State Boards under the aegis of the Department | ||||||||||||||
| Name of Board | 2003 | |||||||||||||
| Men | Women | % | Total | |||||||||||
| The Teaching Council | ||||||||||||||
| HEA | 10 | 59% | 7 | 41% | 17 | |||||||||
| IRCHSS | 6 | 55% | 5 | 45% | 11 | |||||||||
| IRCSET | 14 | 61% | 9 | 39% | 23 | |||||||||
| Residential Institutions Redress | Board | 3 | 50% | 3 | 50% | 6 | ||||||||
| Residential Institutions Review Committee | 3 | 100% | 0 | 0% | 3 | |||||||||
| Education Finance Board | ||||||||||||||
| Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse | ||||||||||||||
| An Comhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta | ||||||||||||||
| & Gaelscolaiochta (COGG) | ||||||||||||||
| National Council for Curriculum & | ||||||||||||||
| Assessment (NCCA) | 17 | 68% | 8 | 32% | 25 | |||||||||
| National Centre for Guidance in Education | ||||||||||||||
| State Examinations Commission | ||||||||||||||
| Skillnets Ltd | ||||||||||||||
| An Foras Aiseanna Saothair (FAS) | ||||||||||||||
| FETAC | 9 | 56% | 7 | 44% | 16 | |||||||||
| HETAC | 10 | 67% | 5 | 33% | 15 | |||||||||
| National Qualifications Authority of Ireland | 8 | 57% | 6 | 43% | 14 | |||||||||
| National Council for Special Education | ||||||||||||||
| Grangegorman Development Agency | ||||||||||||||
| Leargas | 5 | 62% | 3 | 38% | 8 | |||||||||
| Totals | 85 | 62% | 53 | 38% | 138 | |||||||||
459. Deputy Seán Crowe
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if he will provide a breakdown of the annual amount paid in State subsidises to minority faith based fee-paying schools here, on a school by school basis. [38895/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
The information sought by the Deputy is provided in the tables below.
ALL FEE PAYING SCHOOLS GROSS SALARY COSTS 2011-2012 SCHOOL YEAR | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| School No. | School Address | Total Gross Teachers | Clerical Officers | Total Gross SNAs | ||
| 60090Q | Rathdown School | Glenageary | Co Dublin | 1,408,096 | ||
| 60272W | The Kings Hospital | Palmerstown | Dublin 20 | 2,773,689 | 46,028.92 | 72610.09 |
| 60320H | St Columba's College | Whitechurch | Dublin 16 | 1,195,137 | 163908.27 | |
| 60381E | Sutton Park School | St Fintans Road | Sutton | 1,529,972 | 26399.9 | |
| 60640C | Sandford Park School Ltd | Sandford Road | Ranelagh | 1,057,128 | 29540.16 | |
| 60650F | St Andrews College | Booterstown Ave | Blackrock | 3,983,553 | 140748.48 | |
| 60660I | St Patricks Cathedral G.S | St Patricks Close | Dublin 8 | 623,671 | ||
| 60670L | The High School | Zion Road | Rathgar | 2,835,449 | 90771.08 | |
| 60910F | Alexandra College | Milltown | Dublin 6 | 2,043,186 | 40,072.48 | 32702.31 |
| 61010U | Wesley College | Ballinteer | Dublin 16 | 3,345,190 | 127222.03 | |
| 61020A | Stratford College | 1 Zion Road Rathgar | Dublin 6 | 869,512 | 31838.72 | |
| 61080S | Royal School Cavan | College Street | Cavan | 1,121,029 | 118833.13 | |
| 61570M | Kilkenny College | Castlecomer Road | Kilkenny | 2,963,938 | 43,563.09 | 36305.19 |
| 62060R | Bandon Grammar School | Bandon | Co Cork | 2,432,371 | 117213.71 | |
| 62370J | Midleton College | Midleton | Co Cork | 1,580,711 | 26036.28 | |
| 63870L | Drogheda Grammar School | Mornington Rd | Drogheda | 1,402,560 | 80585.92 | |
| 63920A | Dundalk Grammar School | Dundalk | Co Louth | 2,270,203 | 21482.76 | |
| 64310B | Villiers Secondary School | North Circular Road | Limerick | 2,400,261 | 23618.48 | |
| 64830E | Monaghan Collegiate School | Corlatt | Monaghan | 1,245,973 | 79147.07 | |
| 65010R | Newtown School | Waterford | Co. Waterford | 1,289,427 | ||
| 65190W | Sligo Grammar School | The Mall | Sligo | 1,754,284 | 82730.32 | |
| ROLL NUMBER | SCHOOL NAME | 2012 | SEPT-DEC 2011 | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60090Q | RATHDOWN SCHOOL | €4,389.12 | €10,241.26 | €14,630.38 |
| 60272W | THE KINGS HOSPITAL, PALMERSTOWN | €0.00 | €0.00 | €0.00 |
| 60320H | COLLEGE OF ST COLUMBA, WHITECHURCH | €0.00 | €27,551.90 | €27,551.90 |
| 60381E | SUTTON PARK SCHOOL | €0.00 | €0.00 | €0.00 |
| 60640C | SANDFORD PARK SCHOOL LTD | €0.00 | €0.00 | €0.00 |
| 60650F | ST ANDREWS COLLEGE, BLACKROCK | €0.00 | €0.00 | €0.00 |
| 60660I | ST PATRICKS CATHEDRAL GRAMMAR SCHOOL, ST PATRICKS CLOSE | €103,300.64 | €0.00 | €103,300.64 |
| 60670L | THE HIGH SCHOOL RATHGAR | €0.00 | €0.00 | €0.00 |
| 60910F | ALEXANDRA COLLEGE, MILLTOWN | €0.00 | €5,006.44 | €5,006.44 |
| 61010U | WESLEY COLLEGE, BALLINTEER | €0.00 | €0.00 | €0.00 |
| 61020A | STRATFORD COLLEGE, RATHGAR | €0.00 | €0.00 | €0.00 |
| 61080S | ROYAL SCHOOL CAVAN | €0.00 | €0.00 | €0.00 |
| 61570M | KILKENNY COLLEGE | €0.00 | €0.00 | €0.00 |
| 62060R | BANDON GRAMMAR SCHOOL | €0.00 | €0.00 | €0.00 |
| 62370J | MIDLETON COLLEGE | €17,455.88 | €187,543.79 | €204,999.67 |
| 63870L | DROGHEDA GRAMMAR SCH., MORNINGTON RD, DROGHEDA | €1,709,636.94 | €748,629.36 | €2,458,266.30 |
| 63920A | DUNDALK GRAMMAR SCHOOL | €1,192,121.97 | €14,049.42 | €1,206,171.39 |
| 64310B | VILLIERS SECONDARY SCHOOL | €0.00 | €0.00 | €0.00 |
| 64830E | MONAGHAN COLLEGIATE, CORLATT | €0.00 | €45,083.88 | €45,083.88 |
| 65010R | NEWTOWN SCHOOL | €196,002.24 | €146,624.59 | €342,626.83 |
| 65190W | SLIGO GRAMMAR SCHOOL, THE MALL | €13,500.00 | €4,263.00 | €17,763.00 |
SCH_NO | SCH_NAME | SCH_ADDR1 | SCH_ADDR2 | SCH_ADDR3 | Assistive Technology spend in respect of minority faith fee charging schools 2011-12 school year |
60090Q | Rathdown School | Glenageary | Dun Laoghaire | Co Dublin | €469.60 |
60272W | The Kings Hospital | Palmerstown | Dublin 20 | €0.00 | |
60320H | St Columba's College | Whitechurch | Dublin 16 | €1,502.08 | |
60381E | Sutton Park School | St Fintans Road | Sutton | Dublin 13 | €490.05 |
60640C | Sandford Park School Ltd | Sandford Road | Ranelagh | Dublin 6 | €819.18 |
60650F | St Andrews College | Booterstown Ave | Blackrock | Co Dublin | €0.00 |
60660I | St Patricks Cathedral G.S | St Patricks Close | Dublin 8 | €0.00 | |
60670L | The High School | Zion Road | Rathgar | Dublin 6 | €897.20 |
60910F | Alexandra College | Milltown | Dublin 6 | €0.00 | |
61010U | Wesley College | Ballinteer | Dublin 16 | €915.68 | |
61020A | Stratford College | 1 Zion Road, | Rathgar | Dublin 6 | €0.00 |
61080S | Royal School Cavan | College Street | Cavan | Co. Cavan | €0.00 |
61570M | Kilkenny College | Castlecomer Road | Kilkenny | €0.00 | |
62060R | Bandon Grammar School | Bandon | Co Cork | €0.00 | |
62370J | Midleton College | Midleton | Co Cork | €611.31 | |
63870L | Drogheda Grammar School | Mornington Rd | Drogheda | Co Louth | €0.00 |
63920A | Dundalk Grammar School | Dundalk | Co Louth | €0.00 | |
64310B | Villiers Secondary School | North Circular Road | Limerick | €529.95 | |
64830E | Monaghan Collegiate School | Corlatt | Monaghan | Co Monaghan | €0.00 |
65010R | Newtown School | Waterford | Co. Waterford | €0.00 | |
65190W | Sligo Grammar School | The Mall | Sligo | €0.00 | |
TOTAL | €6,235.05 |
460. Deputy Seán Crowe
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if he will provide a breakdown of the annual wage scale paid to senior FÁS staff earning in excess of €80,000 per annum based on the one to six grading system. [38900/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy Ciarán Cannon):
The breakdown of pay scales which contain amounts in excess of €80,000 is as follows:Contributory Scale Grade 1 - 189,115 Grade 3 - 134,523, 140,636, 147,262, 153,885 Grade 4 - 84,132, 87,595, 91,033, 94,496, 97,417, 100,446 (Long Service Increment 1), 103,472 (Long Service Increment 2) Grade 6 - 65,130, 67,700, 70,381, 72,904, 75,406, 77,899, 79,361, 79,540, 82,027 (Long Service Increment 1), 84,517 (Long Service Increment 2). Non – contributory Scale Grade 4 - 80,051, 83,337, 86,604, 89,898, 92,672, 95,550 (Long Service Increment 1), 98,424 (Long Service Increment 2) Grade 6 - 61,911, 64,410, 66,987, 69,384, 71,761, 74,129, 75,518, 75,688, 78,051 (Long Service Increment 1), 80,417 (Long Service Increment 2). Ex National Rehabilitation Board Scale Grade 6 - 65,185, 67,541, 69,884, 72,235, 74,581, 75,934, 78,303 (Long Service Increment 1), 80,679 (Long Service Increment 2).
461. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will qualify for the higher education grant despite being found ineligible under Article 15(7)(c)(i) of the student grant scheme as they had to take a year out from study due to medical reasons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38901/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
The decision on eligibility for new student grant applications from the 2012/13 academic year is a matter for the centralised grant awarding authority, Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI), a division of the City of Dublin VEC. If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a student grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to SUSI. Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down in writing by SUSI and remains of the view that SUSI has not interpreted the scheme correctly in his/her case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to the independent Student Grant Appeals Board. The relevant appeal form will be available on request from SUSI.
462. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the options available to persons (details supplied) in County Kildare to obtain student finance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38967/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
The decision on eligibility for new student grant applications from the 2012/13 academic year is a matter for the new centralised grant awarding authority, SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland). The Deputy will appreciate that in the absence of all of the relevant details that would be contained in an individual's application form and supporting documentation, it would not be possible for me to say whether or not a student should qualify for a maintenance grant. If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a student grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to SUSI. Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by SUSI, and remains of the view that SUSI has not interpreted the scheme correctly in his/her case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to the independent Student Grant Appeals Board. The relevant appeal form will be available on request from SUSI.
463. Deputy Pat Breen
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated with school transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38977/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy Ciarán Cannon):
Changes to the School Transport Scheme for Post Primary children were announced in the 2011 Budget and derived from recommendations in the Value for Money Review of the scheme. This means that from the 2012/13 school year, school transport eligibility for pupils will be determined by reference to the distance they reside from their nearest post-primary education centre having regard to ethos and language. Bus Éireann who operate the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department has advised that the pupil referred to in the details supplied is not attending her nearest post-primary education centre. Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for school transport on a concessionary basis subject to a number of terms and conditions which are detailed in the scheme. The changes to the Post Primary School Transport Scheme will be applied equitably on a national basis.
464. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív
asked the an Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna
cén fáth a tharraing sé siar an deich n-uaire an chloig de mhúinteoireacht tacaíochta foghlama ginearálta a raibh scoláirí Scoil Náisiúnta Inis Meáin ina teideal, céard é an dochar measta a dhéanfaidh sé seo do na scoláirí; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [39047/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
De réir na socruithe foirne atá leagtha amach i gCiorclán na Roinne 0007/12 tá an scoil dá dtagraíonn an Teachta ina scoil aon-oide rangsheomra anois. Cuireadh múinteoir buan a bhí ag fónamh sa scoil ar an bpainéal ath-imlonnaithe don scoilbhliain 2012/13, de réir mar is caighdeánach do mhúinteoir buan ar bith i scoil ina gcailltear post. Dhiúltaigh sí, áfach, rogha ar bith de na roghanna eile fostaíochta a tairgeadh di a ghlacadh agus, dá bhrí sin, de réir na socruithe ath-imlonnaithe, níl sí ar an bpárolla poiblí a thuilleadh.
Question No. 465 answered with Question No. 458.
466. Deputy Dan Neville
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding post primary teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39239/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
The core purpose of the redeployment arrangements is to redeploy a teacher who is surplus in one school to a vacancy in another school. The redeployment of all surplus permanent teachers is key to the Department's ability to manage within its payroll budget and ceiling on teacher numbers.
467. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if his attention has been drawn to the situation with a school (details supplied) in Dublin 1 which was allocated funding by his Department as part of the summer works building scheme in respect of special needs access for children with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39280/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
I understand that the school referred to by the Deputy is appealing the decision made by the local authority in relation to the fees being charged in respect of their Summer Works project. Should this appeal be unsuccessful my Department will consider an application for funding to cover these additional costs.
468. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
his views on a matter (details supplied) with regard to the Redress Board for Victims of Abuse. [39285/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
The information sought is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy.
469. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
when the new building at a school (details supplied) in County Dublin will commence. [39286/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
The Department recently authorised the design team to begin the pre-qualification of a shortlist of main building contractors in anticipation of the project progressing to tender and construction stage. Thereafter, the project will proceed to tender to the shortlist of suitably qualified contractors. Tender stage on a project of this size normally takes between 6 and 8 months to complete. The Department has advised the school authority that a date for the commencement of construction on the project will be determined as part of the detailed plan for 2013 which will be published in late 2012.
Questions Nos. 470 to 476, inclusive, answered with Question No. 356.
477. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if he has given any consideration to concerns raised by certain professors that project maths is damaging not only to mathematics but to engineering, technology and the sciences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39361/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
I have asked the National Council for Curriculum to advise on this matter and I expect a detailed response very shortly.
The student-focused research design has two components:
478. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if he examined the latest international survey by the OECD entitled Education at a Glance, which highlights the fact that the proportion of time spent on teaching maths and science here is below the EU average; the action he will take to bring teaching practices here more in line with the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39362/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
As the Deputy will be aware, Education at a Glance uses 2010 data for this part of the report. In mid-2011, I launched the National Strategy to improve Literacy and Numeracy among children and young people 2011 to 2020. One of the early actions implemented under the Strategy was to ask all primary schools to increase the time spent on mathematics by 70 minutes per week from January 2012. At post-primary, in September 2011, post primary schools were asked to make every effort to ensure that students have access to a mathematics lesson every day, particularly in junior cycle, from the earliest possible date; that mathematics be strengthened in Transition Year, where available; and that every effort should be made, insofar as is possible, to deploy teachers who hold a qualification in mathematics to mathematics teaching.
479. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the number of primary schools here that do not have access to whiteboard technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39366/12]
480. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the number of primary schools classrooms here that do not have access to whiteboard technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39367/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 479 and 480 together.
481. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
his plans to introduce digital literacy onto the school curriculum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39368/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
The NCCA's ICT Framework: A structured approach to ICT in Curriculum and Assessment (2007) has been made available to all primary and post-primary schools. ICT, including digital literacy, is an integral part of a student's on-going education. It harnesses the young person's natural sense of wonder. The primary curriculum promotes the importance of ICT as a resource which enriches the quality of teaching and learning across the curriculum.
482. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the number of State bodies that have been set up since 9 March 2011; the rationale behind these decisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39995/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
No new state bodies have been established under the aegis of my Department since 9 March, 2011.
The Deputy may wish to note that
483. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
if he will provide a list of the payments made by the State to private land owners in 2010 and 2011 to acquire land for use in the public capital programme. [40008/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
I wish to advise the Deputy that the value of sites acquired for use in the public capital programme from private landowners by my Department amounted to just under €5m in 2010, and €10.25m in 2011. I include Table 1 with details.
In addition, during 2010, my Department provided just under €9.13m in funding to a number of Vocational Education Committees to facilitate the acquisition of sites from private landowners. No such funding was provided to Vocational Education Committees in 2011. I include Table 2 with details.
Price information regarding site acquisitions is commercially sensitive and the release of such information for 2011 would prejudice future and ongoing
negotiations elsewhere in the State. Therefore, I am not in a position to provide a list of payment amounts paid by my Department for individual sites in
2011.
| Table 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Site Location | Amount |
2010 | ||
| Site in Ballincollig, Cork | €3,000,000 | |
| Site in Maynooth, Kildare | €1,986,250 | |
2011 | ||
| Site and buildings on St. Patrick's Hill, Cork | Commercially Sensitive | |
| Site in Rathnew, Wicklow | Commercially Sensitive | |
| Site on Haddington Road, Dublin | Commercially Sensitive | |
| Site in Belmayne, Dublin | Commercially Sensitive | |
| Site in Cabra, Dublin | Commercially Sensitive |
| Table 2 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | VEC | Site Location | Amount of Funding provided |
2010 | |||
| County Cork | Carrigaline | €1,991,645.00 | |
| County Kildare | Naas | €770,335.85 | |
| County Kildare | Maynooth | €1,421,943.50 | |
| County Kildare | Maynooth | €1,612,000.00 | |
| County Limerick | Kilmallock | €300,000.00 | |
| County Limerick | Askeaton | €150,000.00 | |
| County Louth | Dunleer | €600,000.00 | |
| County Monaghan | Castleblayney | €553,726.00 | |
| County Monaghan | Monaghan | €871,200.00 | |
| County Sligo | Coola | €208,135.00 | |
| South Tipperary | Carrick-on-Suir | €650,000.00 |
Questions No. 484 answered with Question No. 377.
485. Deputy Gerald Nash
asked the Minister for Education and Skills
the number of appointments that have been made to positions available on the boards of semi-State companies and statutory agencies following public advertisement; if he will provide details of the names of persons who have been appointed under this initiative and the agencies on which they now sit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40033/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):
In accordance with Government policy, expressions of interest have been sought through the Public Appointments Service (PAS) from suitably qualified and experienced persons for consideration for appointment to the following boards of Bodies operating under the aegis of my Department.
Leárgas Ltd – The Exchange Bureau The Higher Education Authority The Qualifications and Quality Assurance Authority of Ireland (to be newly established) The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA)The State Examinations Commission (SEC) The Teaching Council
To date, appointments have not been made to the Qualifications and Quality Assurance Authority of Ireland.
Vacancies on other boards of Bodies under the aegis of my Department that arise during 2012 will continue to be advertised on my Department's website. The Deputy should note that in making any direct Ministerial appointments, I am not necessarily confined to those who make such expressions of interest but will ensure that all of those appointed have the relevant skills and competencies for the positions.
Details of Membership of Boards and appointments dates can be downloaded from the Departments website http://www.education.ie/
486. Deputy Micheál Martin
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
if he has met the Social partners recently in relation to the Croke Park agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36948/12]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin):
Following the publication of the Second Annual Report from the Implementation Body in June last, together with the Taoiseach I met with the Body on 11 July. The Deputy will be aware the Body's membership includes representative from the Public Services Committee of ICTU. We took the opportunity to emphasise the need to accelerate the implementation of the various initiatives under the Public Service Agreement and to fully utilise the provisions of the Agreement to secure efficiencies and reforms. Both I and officials from my Department also meet with stakeholders including representatives of public service trade unions on a regular basis as part of routine consultation in the context of the implementation of the Agreement and the broader public service reform agenda.
487. Deputy Joan Collins
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
the position regarding the application of the pension levy to civil servants (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37030/12]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin):
The Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009 introduced a number of financial emergency measures in the public interest including the making of a pension-related deduction (PRD) from the pay of public servants (including civil servants) who are members of a public service pension scheme or who have an analogous arrangement.
The deduction is calculated by reference to remuneration. Remuneration is defined at section 1 of the Act as emoluments to which Chapter 4 of Part 42 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 applies or is applied and payable by or on behalf of a public service body to a public servant for his or her services as a public servant. This definition includes non-pensionable pay, including overtime, acting-up allowances and benefit-in-kind. The PRD is not a pension contribution and does not confer pension entitlements. As the Deputy will be aware, the Act was introduced in the context of the need to give priority to the stabilization of the public finances and to reflect the substantial benefits generally available to staff under public service pension terms. The provisions of the Act are subject to annual review.
488. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
the position regarding pensions (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37200/12]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin):
The increase in State Pension age to 67, as provided for in the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2011, is to take effect from 1 January 2021. Current public servants who are obliged to retire at age 65 in 2021 will be able to draw their public service occupational pension at age 65.
489. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
his policy on public procurement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37424/12]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin):
Public procurement policy is aimed at ensuring that all public sector purchasing is carried out in a manner that is legal, transparent, and secures optimal value for money for the taxpayer. The changed economic environment has meant that it is necessary to do "better for less", providing real value-for-money for the Irish taxpayer by maximising efficiency and eliminating waste. It is estimated that €9 billion is spent by public bodies annually on the public procurement of supplies and services. This is a very significant portion of overall spending and it is essential that the Public Service is achieving maximum value for money and operational efficiency in its approach to public procurement. It is for this reason that public procurement is one of the major pillars of key strategic importance under the Government's Public Service Reform Plan, published in November 2011.
The reform plan includes specific measures to ensure that: 1.aggregated procurement arrangements are utilised across the public service;
In order to ensure that the necessary elements are in place to implement these ambitious reforms, my Department engaged Accenture to undertake a capacity and capability review of the central procurement function to identify the actions required to realise substantial savings in public procurement in the short and medium term. The final report on this review is available on my Department’s website.
2.public bodies have appropriately trained staff to implement reform and to ensure the State is getting value for money; and
3.greater emphasis will be placed on analysing what the State purchases in order to assess other savings that can be made through more efficient procurement methods.
Following the review, proposals were recently submitted to Government. These proposals represent a new consolidated and integrated approach to public procurement that includes: ·integrating procurement policy, strategy and operations in one office through the establishment of a National Procurement Office (under the aegis of my Department) which will be headed by a Chief Procurement Officer;
These proposals have now been agreed by Government.
·strengthening spend analytics and data management;
·examining the specifications set out for goods and services;
·evaluating demand levels to assess how demand (volume) can be reduced; and,
·strengthening vendor and category management.
These reforms will lead to reductions in the cost of goods and services; better procurement services at lower cost; introduction of technical standardisation; greater attention to contract management and better problem resolution; greater levels of professionalism among staff responsible for procurement; and better performance management of the central procurement function.
490. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
the way non-commercial Semi-State agencies avail of a Cabinet decision, which was made a number of weeks ago, to mandate Government Departments, local authorities, the Gardaí, the defence forces and the non-commercial State agencies to avail of national contracts to be put in place by the National Procurement Service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37646/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brian Hayes):
While their usage is not mandatory for non-commercial Semi State bodies, such bodies may continue to avail of any of the national contracts put in place by the National Procurement Service (NPS).
491. Deputy John Lyons
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
if pensions payable to Ministers and sitting public representatives in the Houses of the Oireachtas are coordinated or integrated with the Social Welfare pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38409/12]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin):
The Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) contribution class applicable to Ministers and Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas, Class K, does not entitle them to the full range of social insurance benefits including the State Pension and, therefore, the application of integration to their occupational pensions does not arise.
492. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
if it is the case that a recent tender process operated by the National Procurement Service on managed print services operated a criteria which effectively excluded more than 90% of potential tenderers on the basis of requiring a minimum average turnover of more than €10 million for the previous three years; his plans to make such tender processes less restrictive to allow small medium enterprises to tender for State contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38462/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brian Hayes):
Managed Print Services (MPS) is a unique office print solution, where a supplier provides an all inclusive service based on an on-going per click charge, that includes the provision of print/imaging devices at no capital cost to the public sector body. The supplier in effect, provides the full infrastructure required for all day-to-day office printing. Research carried out by the National Procurement Service (NPS) has indicated that such an approach gives best value to the Irish public sector.
493. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
486. Deputy Micheál Martin
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
if he has met the Social partners recently in relation to the Croke Park agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36948/12]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin):
Following the publication of the Second Annual Report from the Implementation Body in June last, together with the Taoiseach I met with the Body on 11 July. The Deputy will be aware the Body's membership includes representative from the Public Services Committee of ICTU. We took the opportunity to emphasise the need to accelerate the implementation of the various initiatives under the Public Service Agreement and to fully utilise the provisions of the Agreement to secure efficiencies and reforms. Both I and officials from my Department also meet with stakeholders including representatives of public service trade unions on a regular basis as part of routine consultation in the context of the implementation of the Agreement and the broader public service reform agenda.
487. Deputy Joan Collins
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
the position regarding the application of the pension levy to civil servants (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37030/12]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin):
The Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009 introduced a number of financial emergency measures in the public interest including the making of a pension-related deduction (PRD) from the pay of public servants (including civil servants) who are members of a public service pension scheme or who have an analogous arrangement.
488. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
the position regarding pensions (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37200/12]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin):
The increase in State Pension age to 67, as provided for in the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2011, is to take effect from 1 January 2021. Current public servants who are obliged to retire at age 65 in 2021 will be able to draw their public service occupational pension at age 65.
489. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
his policy on public procurement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37424/12]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin):
Public procurement policy is aimed at ensuring that all public sector purchasing is carried out in a manner that is legal, transparent, and secures optimal value for money for the taxpayer. The changed economic environment has meant that it is necessary to do "better for less", providing real value-for-money for the Irish taxpayer by maximising efficiency and eliminating waste. It is estimated that €9 billion is spent by public bodies annually on the public procurement of supplies and services. This is a very significant portion of overall spending and it is essential that the Public Service is achieving maximum value for money and operational efficiency in its approach to public procurement. It is for this reason that public procurement is one of the major pillars of key strategic importance under the Government's Public Service Reform Plan, published in November 2011.
The reform plan includes specific measures to ensure that:
1. aggregated procurement arrangements are utilised across the public service;
These proposals have now been agreed by Government.
490. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
the way non-commercial Semi-State agencies avail of a Cabinet decision, which was made a number of weeks ago, to mandate Government Departments, local authorities, the Gardaí, the defence forces and the non-commercial State agencies to avail of national contracts to be put in place by the National Procurement Service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37646/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brian Hayes):
While their usage is not mandatory for non-commercial Semi State bodies, such bodies may continue to avail of any of the national contracts put in place by the National Procurement Service (NPS).
491. Deputy John Lyons
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
if pensions payable to Ministers and sitting public representatives in the Houses of the Oireachtas are coordinated or integrated with the Social Welfare pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38409/12]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin):
The Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) contribution class applicable to Ministers and Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas, Class K, does not entitle them to the full range of social insurance benefits including the State Pension and, therefore, the application of integration to their occupational pensions does not arise.
492. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
if it is the case that a recent tender process operated by the National Procurement Service on managed print services operated a criteria which effectively excluded more than 90% of potential tenderers on the basis of requiring a minimum average turnover of more than €10 million for the previous three years; his plans to make such tender processes less restrictive to allow small medium enterprises to tender for State contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38462/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brian Hayes):
Managed Print Services (MPS) is a unique office print solution, where a supplier provides an all inclusive service based on an on-going per click charge, that includes the provision of print/imaging devices at no capital cost to the public sector body. The supplier in effect, provides the full infrastructure required for all day-to-day office printing. Research carried out by the National Procurement Service (NPS) has indicated that such an approach gives best value to the Irish public sector.
493. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
if he will provide an explanation of the €2,059,000 payment under the heading of Marathon Petroleum Ireland Limited in the July 2012 Exchequer statement. [38546/12]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin):
The Exchequer statement records that €2.059m was received in royalty payments from Marathon (now PSE Kinsale (Marathon’s operations in the Kinsale field were taken over by Petronas, the Malaysian state-owned petroleum concern, in 2009 and renamed PSE Kinsale)). Under the 1959 Agreement made between the State and Marathon Petroleum, the company pays royalties at the rate of 12.5% of the fair market value at the wellhead of oil, gas or other petroleum substances produced. The level of royalties paid by the company is determined by the quantity of gas delivered to Bord Gáis and the price that the latter pays for it.
494. Deputy Brendan Smith
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
if, in relation to a commercial crèche at a location (details supplied) the Valuation Office is considering the revaluation of this unit; the way the unit is currently valued – is it as, a crèche, an office, or a retail unit; if it needs a total revaluation to put matters right or is it just a matter of confirming its current usage; if the bill currently being sent to the crèche owner is a total bill for the entire building or just the space being occupied by the crèche; if the building is re-valued, can the decision be retrospective and can rates be reduced for the past few years accordingly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38725/12]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin):
The Commissioner of Valuation is independent in the performance of his functions under the Valuation Act 2001 and the making of valuations for rating purposes is his sole prerogative. The statute does not accord me as Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform any function in this regard.
495. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
when he hopes to bring forward a new Valuation Bill in an effort to support small businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38731/12]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin):
The Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012 was published on 3 August, 2012. The primary purpose of the Bill is to introduce amendments to the legislation which underpins the rateable valuation system on which commercial rates are collected. The proposed amendments to the Valuation Act 2001 are designed to accelerate the valuation process and to streamline the appeal procedures available to ratepayers. As part of the efforts to accelerate the revaluation process the legislation will also provide the legislative basis for carrying out a revaluation based on self-assessment by ratepayers and also for the external delivery of elements of the valuation process.
496. Deputy Terence Flanagan
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
if he will deal with the following matter (details supplied) regarding the Public Sector Pay and Pensions Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39261/12]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin):
The publication of the Analysis of Exchequer Pay and Pensions Bill 2007 – 2012, has been delayed but will be published in early October. I will arrange to have a copy sent to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
497. Deputy Clare Daly
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
the plans the Office of Public Works has to reinstate the duck pond and the bridges which have been locked off for more that two years in Pearse Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin. [37162/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brian Hayes):
The Office of Public Works has placed a contract for the repair of one of the bridges that is currently closed off. This work is scheduled to be completed during October, 2013. A procurement process has been initiated for the erection of a new bridge to replace the other existing bridge that is beyond repair. The dredging of the pond is an item of work that OPW has scheduled to take place following the work to the two bridges.
498. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
the names of special advisors for whom salary increases have been requested; the amount requested; the details of those granted increases and the amount by which they were increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37163/12]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin):
As I have advised in previous PQs since I appointed Anne Byrne and Ronan O’Brien as special advisors no salary increases have been requested in respect of either appointment. However, on appointment, Ms Anne Byrne was placed on the second point of the PO Standard non-PPC scale with effect from 10 March 2011. In accordance with the 'Instructions to Personnel Officers - Ministerial Appointments for the 31st Dail', dated 24 March 2011 which was issued by the Department of Finance and which states the following in relation to Special Advisers and Increments: 'Where a Special Adviser is placed on a salary point below the maximum of the scale he or she may be paid an annual increment until the maximum of that scale is reached .' Ms Byrne progressed to the next point of the scale with effect from 10 March 2012.
499. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
the number of new recruits to his Department following its establishment and up to and including July 2012; the positions they hold and the annual salaries paid. [37164/12]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin):
500. Deputy Gerald Nash
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
the number of appointments that have been made to positions available on the boards of semi-State companies and statutory agencies following public advertisement; if he will provide details of the names of persons who have been appointed under this initiative and the agencies on which they now sit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37165/12]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin):
501. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
the number of agencies, authorities, boards, committees, working groups, tribunals, council services, task forces, agencies or other quangos set up by his Department since February 2011; the number abolished since then; the extra cost of quangos which were established; the savings from the abolition of quangos; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37250/12]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin):
Since February 2011 my Department has not set up any agencies, authorities, boards, committees, working groups, tribunals, council services, task forces, agencies or other quangos. With regard to the numbers abolished since February 2011 the only group that was abolished was the Decentralisation Implementation Group. The Decentralisation Implementation Group was disbanded in November 2011. The costs of the Group arose directly from the meetings it held. There were no savings from the actually abolition of the Group as its work had already been substantially reduced in 2009 with the deferral of the majority of the remaining elements of the Decentralisation Programme at the end of 2008. There were only two meetings of the Decentralisation Implementation Group in 2010 and no meetings at all in 2011.
502. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
the estimated cost of each quango in his Department; the amount expected to be saved from the mergers of quangos in his Department; the basis for this figure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37266/12]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin):
In response to the Deputy's question no non-governmental organisations or quangos are in receipt of remuneration from my Department. Grants-in- Aid are provided to both the ESRI and the IPA and details of the amounts paid to each can be found in the Revised Estimates Volume (REV) which is published annually.
503. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
the number of new jobs created by his Department as a result of the jobs initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37282/12]
504. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
the number of new jobs created by his Department as a result of the action plan on jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37298/12]
505. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
the number of new jobs created by his Department as a result of Budget 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37314/12]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 503 to 505, inclusive, together.
506. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
the total amount spent on taxis by his Department since February 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37330/12]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin):
The total amount spent by my Department on taxis since February 2011 is €7,747.00.
507. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
the number of press officers in his Department; the number of press officers in each agency under his auspices; the total cost of press officers in his Department and in agencies under his auspices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37346/12]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin):
My Department employs one press officer, who is a civil servant and is currently paid a gross salary of €71,359 per annum. With regard to the press officers in the office/agencies under the aegis of my Department the following is the position:
Special EU Programmes Body
The SEUPB currently employs a Communications Manager, and a Programme Officer (Communications). The total cost for the employment of both positions is approximately €89,000. As the SEUPB is a North/South Body these staff costs are funded by the NI Executive and the Irish Government jointly. The Irish Government element is approximately €42,000.
Office of Public Works
The Office of Public Works has one Press Officer at Assistant Principal Officer grade, who is currently paid a gross salary of €76,768.
508. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
the total number of board appointees he has made since he came to office; the names, salaries and expenses of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37362/12]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin):
The total number of board appointees made by me since coming into office is as follows:
Department appointees
The Secretary General of my Department, Mr. Robert Watt became a Member of the Outside Appointments Board on an ex-officia basis. The position is set out in paragraph 2.1 of the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour As drawn up and promulgated by the Minister for Finance on 9 September 2004. There is no salary or expenses associated with this appointment.
Board of An Post National Lottery Company
Mr Donal Connell, was reappointed as chairman of the Board with effect from 29 February 2012 on the nomination of An Post (which is the majority shareholder of An Post National Lottery Company).
Mr Peter Quinn, was appointed as a member of the Board with effect from 16 February 2012 on the nomination of An Post.
No remuneration is paid to either Mr Connell or Mr Quinn in respect of their service as Board members of An Post National Lottery Company.
509. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
if he will detail, in tabular form, the total photography costs for his Department since coming to office inclusive of costs incurred from use of the Ministerial allowance; the occasions for which photographers were booked; the photographers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion that a photographers was used; if there is a policy regarding the booking of photographers within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37378/12]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin):
My Department has not incurred any costs in respect of photography since coming to office.
510. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
if he will detail in tabular form, the total cost of providing entertainment for his Department since coming to office inclusive of costs incurred from use of the Ministerial allowance; the occasions for which entertainment was provided; the entertainers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion; if there is a policy regarding the booking of entertainers within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37450/12]
511. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
the amount spent on food and drink by his Department; if he will provide a breakdown of what this involved; the occasions on which food and drink was provided; those present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37466/12]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 510 and 511 together.
The total cost of providing entertainment, food and drink for my Department since coming to office is €1,845.20, the breakdown is as follows:
Ministerial
| Date | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Lunch 18 July 2011 - 30 people | Buffet lunch hosted by Minister Howlin when attending a meeting of the North South Ministerial Council Sectoral meeting. | €315.90 |
| €315.90 |
| Date | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Lunch 20 June 2012 | Lunch Pearl Brasserie with New Zealand delegation | €180.40 |
| Lunch 22 July 2011 | Lunch at the Unicorn Restaurant | €228.25 |
| 7 October 2011 | Merrion Hotel with US delegation | €63.75 |
| 16 December 2011 | Food and drink for Departmental staff | €539.60 |
| 8 May 2012 | Official Entertainment – Troika Visit | €517.30 |
| Total | €1,529.30 |
512. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
the amount spent on hair and make-up by his Department since he came to office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37482/12]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin):
No money has been spent on hair and make-up by my Department.
513. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
the number and names of all special advisers, special press advisers, or any other type of Ministerial adviser in his Department; the name of the Minister / Minister of State to whom he reports; the salary of each advisor now; the salary of each advisor at the time they were appointed; if any salary increase was asked for; if this was granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37498/12]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin):
The name and salary of each of the Special Advisers appointed by me is as follows:
| Name | Title | Salary (per annum) | Increases |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anne Byrne | Special Adviser (D/PER) | €83,337 with effect from March 2011 | €86,604 with effect from March 2012 |
| Ronan O’Brien | Special Adviser (D/PER) | €114,000 with effect May 2011 | Nil |
514. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
if he will provide detail in tabular form, the names of all external public relations and consultancy persons and organisations used by his Department for the years 2011 and 2010; the amount paid to each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37514/12]
516. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
if he will detail in tabular form, the amount paid on external public relations and communications consultants since February 2011; the reason for the payment; the name of each organisation used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37547/12]
517. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
if he will detail in tabular form, the amount paid to consultants since February 2011; the name of each organisation used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37563/12]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 514, 516 and 517 together.
My Department did not make any payments to public relations and communications consultants in the period from 2010 to date in 2012. The following amounts were paid to consultancy persons or organisations during the same period*:
| Year | Contractor | Payment |
|---|---|---|
2012 | Step Performance Group | €1,665 |
2012 | People Resources | €2,655 |
2012 | SEVEN | €3,500 |
2012 | PCS | €2,300 |
2012 | Accenture Consulting | €1,783,025 |
2012 | Dr. Richard Humphreys** | €36,863 |
2012 | Ms. Ciara Kennedy** | €5,396 |
2012 | Siobhan Browne & Associates | €1,046 |
2012 | Davy Corporate Finance | €615 |
2011 | Mercer (Ireland) Limited | €1,210 |
2011 | MKO Partners Limited. | €35,820 |
2011 | Red C | €41,043 |
2011 | Advanced Organisation Limited | €5,000 |
2011 | Accenture Consulting | €80,465 |
2011 | Deloitte & Touche | €65,915 |
515. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
the gross annual salary costs for his private and constituency offices at present; the same figures for this time last year; and the same figures for any Ministers of State in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37531/12]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin):
This Parliamentary Question was answered previously in PQ number 25526/12 on 22nd May, 2012. There has been no change to the information supplied in that PQ.
518. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
the political activities of each special adviser, special press advisers, or any other type of Ministerial adviser in his Department; if any of them were members of a political party; if so the parties to which they belonged; if any of them are or have been elected local authority members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37579/12]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin):
The Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour (September 2004) sets out the terms and conditions of service, including the engagement in political activity, of all civil servants including Ministerial appointees. Section 5.4 of the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour excludes staff holding temporary unestablished positions and whose tenure is coterminous with that of the relevant Minister from the restrictions on engaging in political activity as set out in Section 5 of the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour.
519. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
the amount spent by his Department on drivers and Ministerial transport since February 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37595/12]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin):
In response to the Deputy’s question, the amount spent by his Department on drivers and Ministerial transport since February 2011 has been €148,847.06. This cost includes mileage (which is to cover car-related expenses), the salaries paid to civilian drivers, travel and subsistence paid to the drivers and Employer PRSI contributions in respect of the two drivers.
520. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
the total amount spent since February 2011 on external reports commissioned by his Department, including payments from Ministerial allowances, details of the consultants employed and costs of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37627/12]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin):
Since February 2011, the following amounts were paid to external consultants in respect of reports commissioned by my Department: €615 was paid to Davy Corporate Finance in respect of a study carried out for the Department on options for the next National Lottery licence; €1,210 was paid to Mercer in respect of data used for input to the Organisational Review Programme; €41,043 was paid to RedC in respect of a post-Referendum (Oireachtas Inquiries) survey conducted for the Department, as discussed at Joint Oireachtas Committee of Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform; and €30,750 was paid to Accenture in respect of the Procurement Review published on the Department's website. With regard to Ministerial allowances, the Deputy will be aware that these are block payments which can, within certain guidelines laid down by the Standards in Public Office Commission, be used at the discretion of the Minister. However, I have not used any such funds available for this purpose.
521. Deputy Nicky McFadden
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
when a funding decision will be made for the refurbishment of Athlone Garda Station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37738/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brian Hayes):
I am advised by the Office of Public Works (OPW) that preparation of design and contract documentation for this project is at an advanced stage. The project is one of a number of priorities identified by An Garda Síochána to the OPW and will be progressed to tender and construction stages when funding becomes available. The project will continue to be kept under review in that context.
522. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
if he will supply a list of all Labour Court recommendations that have been issued in respect of his Department and organisations under his aegis that have not been complied with in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37758/12]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin):
There are no Labour Court recommendations that have not been complied with in full in respect of my Department or organisations under the aegis of my Department.
523. Deputy Nicky McFadden
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
if he will provide an update on the national programme for revaluation of commercial and industrial properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37784/12]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin):
The work of the Valuation Office is underpinned by the Valuation Act 2001 which provides for the valuation of all commercial and industrial property. The Commissioner of Valuation is independent in the performance of his functions under the Act and the making of valuations for local authority rating is his sole prerogative. The statute does not accord me, as Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, any function in this regard. In accordance with the 2001 Act, a national programme is being rolled out progressively for the revaluation of all commercial and industrial properties in the State. The revaluation programme aims to provide up-to-date valuations for individual properties across all economic sectors that are subject to local authority rates. The revaluation process is the mechanism whereby economic changes that take place in the property market are reflected in the valuation lists for rates purposes and in individual ratepayers’ rates liabilities. It is an important programme, especially given the significant changes in values and rents following the economic downturn of recent years. The purpose of a revaluation is to redistribute commercial rates liabilities among ratepayers based on up-to-date values. Following revaluation, there will be a much closer relationship between rental value and commercial rates liability. Revaluation of the Valuation List is not meant to reduce the amount of rates revenue collected. On average, businesses do not benefit from a revaluation although some ratepayers may benefit if relative valuations of different types of commercial property change. Overall, revaluation results in a fairer distribution of the rates burden.
524. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
the number of State bodies that have been set up since 9 March 2011; the rationale behind these decisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37825/12]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin):
No State bodies have been set up by my Department since 9 March 2011.
525. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
the position regarding recruiting persons with a disability; the number of persons currently employed in his Department; the number of persons with a disability that have been employed since 1 January 2011 to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37842/12]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin):
The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform was established in July 2011. In common with all other Civil Service Departments and Offices, the Department fully implements the Government’s policy on the employment of people with a disability. The Government’s policy is supported by the Code of Practice for the Employment of People with a Disability in the Irish Civil Service and the sharing of advice and information through the Civil Service Disability Liaison Officers Network. Recruitment competitions run by the Public Appointments Service are open to all, including people with disabilities, subject to them meeting the eligibility requirements of the competition in question. Application forms invite applicants to indicate if they have special requirements when undergoing the selection process and the Public Appointments Service makes every effort to facilitate these requirements. A survey of staff carried out in 2011 to compile data on staff with disabilities, indicated that 6.5% of staff (from a staffing complement of 309) in the Department had a disability.
526. Deputy Patrick Nulty
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
if there will be a stipulation insisting that only builders and developers who have fully discharged their responsibilities with regard to previous developments be eligible to tender for stimulus funding in the construction sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37937/12]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin):
In July of this year, I announced the Government’s €2.25 billion Infrastructure Stimulus Package which will provide investment in a range of important and much-needed new projects. The stimulus package is additional to the investment outlined in the Exchequer Capital Framework, which was published last November, and will be largely predicated on using non-Exchequer sources of funding to support the first phase of a new PPP Programme of projects in key areas of infrastructure. As the Deputy is aware, public capital infrastructure projects are procured either as Exchequer-funded projects or as Public Private Partnerships. PPPs are arrangements between the public and private sectors (consistent with a broad range of possible partnership structures) with clear agreement on shared objectives for the delivery of public infrastructure and/or public services by the private sector that would otherwise have been provided through traditional public sector procurement. The procurement of infrastructure projects via PPP involves a tendering process whereby consortia are invited to bid, in most instances, to Design, Build, Finance, Maintain and Operate a particular piece of public infrastructure. The consortium must be in a position to secure private debt financing and private equity to support its bid. The consortium is subject to an extensive financial due diligence process by the private funding providers prior to loan approval.
527. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
if he will conclude the consultation between his Department and the Department of Education and Skills in relation to the payment of a Labour Court recommendation which was decided on 27 September, 2011 in view of the unnecessary hardship that is being caused by the non-payment of this amount in line with the Labour Court recommendation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38058/12]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin):
In the particular case referred to by the Deputy, it is the position that while the consultation process by the Department of Education and Skills and my Department is still ongoing, the matter is expected to be concluded in the near future.
528. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
if he will support a matter (details supplied). [38111/12]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin):
My Department is in the process of reforming sick leave provisions for the public service. We will implement our changes over the coming months. In this context, we will consider the ability of public servants to claim loss of earnings against a third party in the event of a personal injury claim.
529. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
if he will provide a list of the payments made by the State to private land owners in 2010 and 2011 to acquire land for use in the public capital programme. [38303/12]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin):
My Department does not maintain a central database of such payments. Accordingly, I have copied the question to all Departments for reply directly to the Deputy. In respect of my own Department, and the Offices and Agencies under the remit of my Department, no such payments have been made during the period in question.
530. Deputy John Paul Phelan
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
the different grades that currently exist within the public service: and if he will detail the entry level pay levels associated with each grade. [38368/12]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin):
Information on general service grades is available from my Department's website, www.per.gov.ie. I wish to bring the Deputy’s attention to Circular 28/2009 dated 22 December 2009 - Revisions of pay of Civil Servants: Application of pay adjustments in accordance with the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act 2009 at www.per.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/circ282009.pdf and Circular 18/2010 dated 23 December 2010 - Reduction of 10% in the pay rates and fixed term allowances of persons to be recruited to certain direct entry grades to the Civil Service at www.per.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/circ182010.pdf. I am arranging for copies of these circulars to be forwarded to the Deputy. Details in respect of particular Departmental grades can be obtained from each Government Department.
531. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
when will he bring forward changes to the party leaders allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38455/12]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin):
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 3 of 13 June 2012.
532. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
the amount of money spent on an annual basis on education and training of staff in 2011 and to date in 2012; the number of staff that availed of each course; if he will provide a list of the courses staff undertook and the cost of each course per person. [38490/12]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin):
The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform was established in July 2011 and approximately €55,000 was spent on training and educational requirements of staff in the period between July and December 2011. The training and development budget for 2012 is €174,000. To date, approximately €60,000 has been spent on the central training and education of staff with further financial commitments to be realised by the end of the year.
533. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
if his attention has been drawn to the delay in making review determinations on Freedom of Information cases in the Office of the Information Commissioner where there are now more than 175 reviews on hand some of which were received in 2009; the number of Investigators employed in the Office of the Information Commissioner over each of the past four years; if he will outline proposals that will deal with the backlog of cases in order that determinations are made within four months of being received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38643/12]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin):
As the Deputy is aware, under the Freedom of Information Acts the Information Commissioner is independent in the performance of her functions. My Department has been informed by the Office of the Information Commissioner that at the end of August 2012, there were 209 applications for review awaiting decision in the Office, including 16 applications which were received in 2009 and which require the consideration of complex issues and/or large volumes of records. The Deputy may wish to note that as set out in the Information Commissioner’s Annual Report for 2011 published in May 2012, 57% of cases closed last year were over one year old reflecting specific initiatives aimed at closing older cases. In addition, the length of time taken to deal with each application depends on a number of factors, including the complexity of the issues involved and the volume of records at issue. I am advised that the Information Commissioner is very conscious of the statutory requirement that reviews are completed, in so far as practicable, within four months of receipt. With this in mind, the Information Commissioner has recently arranged for resources to be reassigned within her office to reduce the number of cases on hand. An examination of current structures and processes is also actively under way to optimise the number of reviews completed within four months. The Information Commissioner stated in her Annual Report that her Office will continue to endeavour to close cases within four months while also concentrating on older cases. The information requested by the Deputy on investigative staffing levels of the Office for the past four years is set out in the following table:
| 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Investigator | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Investigator | 9.4 | 8.8 | 8.8 | 9 |
534. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
further to Parliamentary Question No. 245 of the 26 June 2012, the progress that has been made with the strategic review of the future direction of the Civil Service Language Centre; if he will detail the relevant parties that were consulted; if Russian and Chinese were offered in the past and if they will be offered again in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38644/12]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin):
My Department is still in deliberations regarding the future direction of the Civil Service Language Centre. As such, no further details beyond those provided in answer to Question No. 245 of 26 June 2012 are available at this time.
535. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
further to Parliamentary Question No. 246 of the 26 June 2012, the progress that has been made on the way Gaeleagras can best achieve the delivery of its mandate; the courses that Gaeleagras will offer in the forthcoming academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38645/12]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin):
My Department is still in deliberations regarding the mandate of Gaeleagras. As such, no further details beyond those provided in answer to Question No. 246 of 26 June 2012 are available at this time.
536. Deputy Dominic Hannigan
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
if he will outline, in tabular form, both the number and the percentage of women and men on State boards under the aegis of his Department in each of the past ten years; if he will provide the most up-to-date figures available regarding the number and percentage of women and men on State boards under the aegis of his Department in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38862/12]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin):
The following is the position in respect of the number and percentage of women and men on State boards under the aegis of my Department:
Public Appointments Service
| Dates | Number Males | % Males | Number Females | % Females |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 2004-October 2007 | 4 | 44% | 5 | 56% |
| February 2008-February 2011 | 6 | 67% | 3 | 33% |
| September 2011- Date* | 4 | 50% | 4 | 50% |
| Number of women on the Board | Number of men on the Board | Percentage of women on the Board (rounded) | Percentage of men on the Board (rounded) | Vacancies | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 1 | 6 | 14% | 86% | 0 |
| 2003 | 1 | 6 | 14% | 86% | 0 |
| 2004 | 1 | 6 | 14% | 86% | 0 |
| 2005 | 1 | 6 | 14% | 86% | 0 |
| 2006 | 2 | 4 | 33% | 67% | 1 |
| 2007 | 2 | 5 | 29% | 71% | 0 |
| 2008 | 2 | 5 | 29% | 71% | 0 |
| 2009 | 2 | 5 | 29% | 71% | 0 |
| 2010 | 2 | 5 | 29% | 71% | 0 |
| 2011 | 2 | 5 | 29% | 71% | 0 |
| 2012 | 1 | 5 | 17% | 83% | 1 |
537. Deputy Terence Flanagan
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
the number of quangos that have been abolished to date; the number of quangos that are due to be abolished by the end of 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38968/12]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin):
I refer the Deputy to my answer to Question No. 281 of Thursday, 19 July 2012.
538. Deputy Terence Flanagan
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
his plans to ensure that Irish printers have an opportunity to bid for Government printing contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38973/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brian Hayes):
Irish printers are welcome to bid for all publicly advertised Government printing contracts. In common with other contracts for supplies and services, all central government printing contracts where the estimated value excluding VAT exceeds €130,000 are advertised on the Government's public procurement website, www.etenders.gov.ie, as well as in the Official Journal of the European Union. Guidelines set out in Department of Finance Circular 10/10 on Facilitating SME Participation in Public Procurement, require that all contracts for supplies and general services with an estimated value of €25,000 and upwards are now to be advertised by contracting authorities on the eTenders website. In addition, the National Procurement Service maintains on its website, www.procurement.ie, a panel of suppliers who have expressed interest in tendering for public contracts for Printing, Binding and Ancillary operations, where the estimated contract value is below €25,000 and where there is no Framework Agreement/Drawdown contract currently in place. This panel is available to all public sector buyers.
539. Deputy Seán Kenny
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
if he will provide details of the Office of Public Works state office accommodation portfolio rationalisation programme broken down by Government Department; the total saving arising from the OPW rationalisation programme for 2012 and projected savings in 2013 and 2014; and the number of the OPW state office accommodation properties that are leased or tied into upward only rent agreements. [39186/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brian Hayes):
The information sought by the Deputy on the departmental breakdown of leases surrendered is as follows:
| Revenue Commissioners | 32 | Revenue and Customs & Excise |
|---|---|---|
| Social Protection | 24 | Social Protection Offices |
| Garda | 16 | Garda |
| Probation & Welfare | 6 | Probation & Welfare Service |
| Justice, Equality & Law Reform | 7 | Justice |
| Courts Service | 2 | Courts |
| Agriculture | 8 | Agriculture |
| Education & Science | 6 | Education |
| Road Safety Authority, Driving Test Centres | 10 | RSA |
| Other | 16 | Multiple Occupiers |
540. Deputy Joe Higgins
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
if he will outline the level of the aggregate reduction in the public sector pay bill if the pay relativities which applied across the public sector prior to the implementation of the Buckley Report recommentations, were restored, while holding the current rates of pay of middle income and clerical public servants constant and taking the current salary of a HEO in the Civil Service as the base line; if he will provide a breakdown of said aggregate figure, by Department in the core Civil Service and by sector in the public service. [39209/12]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin):
The Exchequer pay bill is a function of employee numbers, salary points and the mix and range of salary points which vary from year to year. The detailed data necessary to undertake an exercise to determine the estimated impact on the Exchequer Pay Bill across the public service from a revision of the current relativities to December 2004 (pre Buckley Report) levels is not available to my Department. As an indicative exercise, the table that follows this reply details the existing pay rates of a number of civil service grades (max point) including those covered by the Buckley report in September 2000, their pay relativities to the HEO Grade as a base (pre Buckley Report rate) and similar data for those civil service grades at current salary rates. The data shows that the impact of public service pay control measures including the pension related reduction (effective from 1 March 2009), pay reduction (effective from 1 January 2010), together with the reduced pay levels and public service pay cap imposed by this Government at senior levels have been progressive and largely negated the impact of excessive senior civil service pay awards including the 15.9% awarded under the Buckley Report to senior grades in September 2000.
| Grade | April 2000 max pay | 2000 ratio to HEO | 2012 max pay * | 2012 ratio to HEO | 2012 with Pay Related Deduction | 2012 net ratios |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sec Gen 1 | €128,597 | 3.46 | €200,000 | 3.43 | €181,050 | 3.34 |
| Sec Gen 2 | €121,539 | 3.27 | €200,000 | 3.43 | €181,050 | 3.34 |
| Sec Gen 3 | €115,100 | 3.27 | €189,474 | 3.25 | €171,629 | 3.17 |
| Dep Sec | €92,168 | 2.48 | €173,684 | 2.98 | €157,497 | 2.91 |
| Ass Sec | €78,516 | 2.11 | €153,885 | 2.64 | €139,777 | 2.58 |
| Principal | €93,733 | 1.78 | €103,472 | 1.78 | €94,657 | 1.75 |
| AP | €72,266 | 1.35 | €80,678 | 1.38 | €74,257 | 1.37 |
| HEO | €52,136 | €58,294 | €54,215 |
541. Deputy Terence Flanagan
asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
when the next review of public sector pensions will take place (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39266/12]
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin):
The regular preparation and publication of actuarial assessments of public service pension costs is an important part of policy formulation. In this regard, I believe work should begin as soon as possible on a new actuarial assessment of public service pension costs, taking account of the recent significant changes in public service pay, pensions and numbers. Using the analysis in the 2009 Comptroller and Auditor General’s Special Report on Public Service Pensions as a starting point, my Department will shortly discuss the most appropriate approach in this regard with that Office.
542. Deputy Ciara Conway
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
the action he will take to tackle the high unemployment rate in Waterford, combined with the Industrial Development Authority figures that the South East was the only region to record a record decline in the number of people employed in IDA supported companies in what was a record-breaking year for the agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36932/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
In relation to IDA Ireland, that Agency’s strategy specifies a target of attracting 50% of all Foreign Direct Investment into locations outside Dublin and Cork. Its strategy for the South East Region, of which Waterford is the Gateway, is to:
To date in 2012, there has been a significant increase of IDA site visits, 21 in total, to the South East Region, illustrating IDA’s focus on the Region. By early this year, there were 62 IDA supported client companies in the South East Region, employing c.11,600 people and the Agency is actively engaged with all its existing base of companies in the region, highlighting the on-going importance of up-skilling and re-skilling and the need to add high value activities in order to ensure their on-going development and sustainability for the long term. · Market the Region to overseas clients in order to secure new investments;
· Support the growth and development of the Region’s existing client base by working with them to transform their business in the Region in order to create additional employment and sustainability; and to
· Ensure that the supporting infrastructure is in place to attract FDI.
A recent significant investment announcement in the South East Region was the official opening in February 2012 of the first phase of the €23 million Belview Strategic Water Supply Scheme, which will facilitate industrial development and job creation in Kilkenny and the South East. The total investment for this phase of the scheme is €13m of which a significant amount was provided by IDA Ireland and the balance by Kilkenny County Council and the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government.
In accordance with the South East Employment Action Plan, which I initiated following the closure of the Talk Talk Call Centre, all the key State players are actively pursuing initiatives to facilitate development and job creation in the region. I travelled to Waterford in June last to meet the members of the South-East Forum and I was heartened to hear of the progress being made. In addition to the work of the IDA, as listed above, I was pleased to hear of many developments which had been achieved since the publication of the Action Plan.
Foremost amongst these has been that Enterprise Ireland has supported the establishment of the Eishtec Call Centre in Waterford city, where employment had reached 230. This is a very significant achievement and other recent initiatives by Enterprise Ireland in the region included the approval of 14 high quality projects under their competitive feasibility fund, 12 companies being been approved for Graduate Placement. 5 Community Enterprise Centres having been approved for funding for full-time business development managers and a high take-up of the EI Innovation Voucher scheme in Waterford.
The enterprise development agencies will adopt a ‘Spotlight on Waterford and the South East Region ’ to the end of 2012. Other bodies had also made considerable progress, with FAS training services having provided training for about 5,000 people and that Agency also undertaking a wide range of other training initiatives. Several tourist initiatives are underway in the region and Science Foundation Ireland have funded 8 research awards to Waterford Institute of Technology. The two local County Enterprise boards, in the city and county, have created 59 new jobs and the South East Regional Authority has secured EU funding for a number of enterprise and innovation-focussed projects.
I fully appreciate that much needs to be done to tackle unemployment in the Waterford region. On a national basis, the Action Plan for Jobs, introduced earlier this year, sets out a series of clear actionable measures to support the creation and retention of jobs. The objective of the Action Plan is to create the environment where 100,000 net new jobs can be created by 2016 and to have 2 million people at work by 2010.
543. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
if he will confirm the amount it will cost, annually, for Ireland to become a member of CERN; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37011/12]
544. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
if his Department has plans for Ireland to become members of CERN; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37012/12]
545. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
if he will confirm the potential benefits to Ireland of becoming members of CERN; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37013/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Sean Sherlock):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 543 to 545, inclusive, together.
546. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
the position regarding a work permit in respect of a person (details supplied) [37701/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
I understand that this person entered the State to undertake a course of studies and was granted permission at that point by the Minister for Justice and Equality to remain in the State as a student. A work permit application in respect of this person was received in my Department on 1 May 2012. This was the first work permit application made by the person named. This application was refused on the basis that new employment permit applications are currently only considered for highly skilled, highly paid positions or for positions where there is an officially recognised scarcity of supply in relation to a particular qualification or occupation type. New and renewal applications may also be considered in respect of non-EEA nationals already legally resident in the State on a valid employment permit. In addition, new employment permit applications are normally only considered where it is established that a minimum salary of €30,000 per annum is on offer based on a 39 hour week and where the position on offer is one of the occupations currently eligible for a new employment permit.
547. Deputy Charlie McConalogue
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
the reason that Ireland performed so poorly in securing funding for science research projects from the European Research Council which recently awarded €800 million to 503 applicants only four of which were Irish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39198/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Sean Sherlock):
The European Research Council (ERC) is a European funding body set up to support investigator-driven frontier research. It was established to implement the "Ideas Programme" of the Seventh European Union Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7). Its main aim is to stimulate scientific excellence by supporting and encouraging the very best, truly creative scientists, scholars and engineers to be adventurous and take risks in their research. Being 'investigator-driven', or 'bottom-up', in nature, the ERC approach allows researchers to identify new opportunities and directions in any field of research.
548. Deputy Martin Ferris
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
the proportion of jobs in foreign direct investment outside of Dublin and Cork. [37149/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
In accordance with its Horizon 2020 Strategy, IDA Ireland is aiming to create 63,000 new jobs in Ireland over the period 2010-2014, with 50% of these investments to be based in locations outside of Dublin and Cork. Central to IDA Ireland’s strategy is to build on existing regional strengths to ensure Ireland’s economic development, while optimising regional spread, in line with the National Spatial Strategy.
549. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
if he will examine the proposal of encouraging business to allow persons to work shorter hours thus creating more jobs in their organisation (details supplied). [37161/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
The Protection of Employees (Part-Time-Work) Act 2001 provides that part-time employees must not be treated less favourably than comparable full-time employees unless there are objective grounds, and where a benefit is determined by the number of hours an employee works, it shall be on a pro-rata or proportionate basis to part-time employees. There is no provision in the Act, or elsewhere in Irish employment law, for a statutory entitlement to part-time work. Rather, the Act makes provision for the Labour Relations Commission to carry out studies for the purposes of identifying obstacles that may exist in particular industries or sectors to access to part-time work, and for the Commission, in consultation with the social partners, to prepare a Code of Practice which would be of practical benefit to employers and employees in addressing such obstacles.
550. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
the number of agencies, authorities, boards, committees, working groups, tribunals, council services, task forces, agencies or other quangos set up by his Department since February 2011; the number abolished since then; the extra cost of quangos which were established; the savings from the abolition of quangos; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37248/12]
551. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
the estimated cost of each quango in his Department; the amount expected to be saved from the mergers of quangos in his Department; the basis for this figure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37264/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 550 and 551 together.
In the context of the Government’s Programme of Public Sector Reform, including rationalisation of the number of State Agencies and Bodies, very significant progress has been achieved in relation to a number of the Bodies under the aegis of my Department. The Bodies that are involved in the rationalisation programme are listed in full in Table 1, as well as the staff and financial savings anticipated. I would like in particular, to point to significant reforms underway in a number of the Bodies listed on which work is being progressed. This includes reforms such as the merging of the Competition Authority with the National Consumer Agency; a major programme of reform in relation to the rationalisation of the employment rights Bodies to reduce these in number from 5 to 2; Government agreement to dissolve the existing County Enterprise Boards and create a “one-stop-shop” micro enterprise support structure; the integration of Forfás into the Department in order to strengthen the Department’s capacity to develop and implement enterprise policy and, the intention, announced by Government to bring forward proposals before year end 2012 for the implementation of the decision on restructuring State Airports and Shannon Development and the re-alignment of tourism and enterprise support functions in the Shannon region.
Table 1:
| Name of Body/ Organisation | Current Status | Savings/Reduction in numbers |
|---|---|---|
| Competition Authority and National Consumer Agency | The Government has agreed to merge these two bodies. As both agencies were established under statute, it is necessary to give effect to the newly merged body by way of primary legislation. Government approved the draft Heads of a Bill in July 2011 and these were sent to the Office of Parliamentary Counsel for drafting. | Initial set-up costs will be incurred. No savings in whole-time equivalent (WTE) numbers. |
| Labour Court National Employment Rights Authority Labour Relations Commission Employment Appeals Tribunal Equality Tribunal | A major reform programme is underway to replace the five existing employments rights bodies with two. Four of the existing bodies – the Employment Appeals Tribunal, the National Employment Rights Authority, the Labour Relations Commission and the Labour Court – are currently within the remit of the Department. One – the Equality Tribunal – is currently within the remit of the Minister for Justice and Equality. In terms of delivering the reform a number of important priority actions have been successfully delivered, including the development of a: ·Single Contact Portal A new single contact portal called “Workplace Relations Customer Services” is fully operational since the beginning of 2012 and provides a single point of entry into the system for employment rights and industrial relations information. ·Single Complaint Form A Single Complaint Form that deals with over 100 first instance complaints was launched on the 4th of January 2012 replacing 30 forms previously in use. ·Workplace Relations Website The new interim workplace relations website www.workplacerelations.ie went live on 4th January 2012. This website brings together, in one place, information on all aspects of employment rights and industrial relations. ·Early Resolution Service Delivery of a pilot Early Resolution Service has commenced. This service will assist parties to a dispute to resolve the issue themselves with the assistance of a Case Resolution Officer. Consultation The Minister has undertaken two public consultation processes and published two policy papers setting out in detail how the reform will be delivered. He engaged with the Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation in July 2012. Legislation A draft Scheme of the Workplace Relations Bill, which will put the reforms on a statutory footing, has been prepared and the Cabinet approved the priority drafting of the Bill in July 2012. | The annual cost of the Workplace Relations Services amounted to some €20m in 2010. It is expected that significant savings, in terms of both reductions in staff numbers & increased efficiency & productivity, will be generated by the end of 2013 by which time the majority of the Workplace Relations Reform Programme will have been implemented. Work has commenced on identifying and capturing on-going pay and non-pay savings. |
| County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) | Government has approved the establishment of a new “one-stop-shop” micro-enterprise support structure through the dissolution of the existing CEBs and the formation of Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs). An implementation Working Group composed of representatives of the Government Departments and State Agencies involved in developing and rolling out the new model is working under the auspices of the Department to progress the matter. In conjunction with this, the Department is engaged with the Office of the Attorney General regarding appropriate legislation. | It is to be expected that over time there will be savings resulting from the removal of costs associated with the individual Company status of each CEB, use of shared services, reduced rental costs associated with the relocation of some offices etc. However initial direct savings will be modest as it could take some years to realise these savings due to existing leasing arrangements etc. |
| Forfás | Last July I announced my intention to integrate Forfas into my Department to strengthen the Department’s capacity to develop and implement enterprise policy. This includes the Advisory Council for Science, Technology and Innovation (ACSTI) which comes under the aegis of Forfás. An Implementation Group, comprising senior management from my Department, Forfás, and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, is overseeing the integration project and will consider all of the legislative, financial and staffing implications that arise from the exercise. A project of this nature would typically take up to 18 months for completion. | Integration will improve efficiencies/ synergies between the Department and Forfás, but will not lead to immediate financial savings. Potential initial costs of integration (e.g. ensuring compatibility of IT systems) need to be explored by the Implementation Group. Integration of Forfás with DJEI will facilitate improvements in the use of existing resources – the objective is not driven by achieving reductions in WTEs. In any event, the scope for further reduction is severely limited following departure of staff of retirement age in February. |
| Shannon Development | The Steering Group and Task Forces which were established following the Government Decisions of the 8th and 29th May have met throughout the summer and have dealt with a large number of issues which will be relevant in setting up the new entity under public ownership. The Steering Group is also addressing issues relating to the re-alignment of tourism functions in the region and enterprise functions in the Free Zone which are currently being carried out by Shannon Development. The Steering Group will report back to Cabinet by year end. | |
| Companies Registration Office and the Office of the Registrar of Friendly Societies | The McCarthy Report suggested that a formal merger of the CRO and RFS would secure additional efficiencies. However, the offices have been ‘de facto’ merged for the past nine years, with the officer designated as the Registrar of Companies also designated as the Registrar of Friendly Societies, and the budget for both offices is a common one. | No savings arise. |
| Discover Science and Engineering (DSE) Programme | As part of the Government’s rationalisation process, the DSE programme with 5 staff transferred from Forfás to Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) with effect from 1st March 2012. There are a lot of synergies and mutual complementarities between DSE and a number of SFI funded activities that support science awareness efforts. The DSE brand is being maintained to be at the forefront of SFI’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics awareness (STEM) activities. | Work is currently underway in SFI to examine how a range of efficiencies can be delivered. This principally involves an international panel review process which is examining how SFI, through DSE and wider STEM awareness/communications activities can contribute further to the strengthening of capacity for future economic growth. It is too early to quantify precisely the annual cost savings and efficiencies arising as a result of the transfer of DSE to SFI. This will become more apparent after the international panel review completes its work and presents its recommendations in late 2012. |
| Name of Committee / Group of the type outlined by the Deputy | Date Established |
|---|---|
| Copyright Review Committee | May 2011 |
| Advisory Group on Small Business | June 2011 |
| Cloud Computing Implementation Group | June 2011 |
| Steering Group on Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME) Access to Public Procurement | July 2011 |
| Research Prioritisation Action Group | Inaugural meeting 28th March 2012. |
| Manufacturing Development Forum | June 2012 |
| Implementation Working Group on the dissolution of the County & City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) and the establishment of Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) | Inaugural meeting 2nd July 2012 |
| Games Industry Clustering Development Team | July 2012 |
552. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
the number of new jobs created by his Department as a result of the jobs initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37280/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
The role of Government is to create the conditions where jobs can be created by the enterprise sector. Supporting the maintenance of existing jobs is also an important objective of the Government. The Jobs Initiative, which was announced in May 2011, was aimed at rebuilding confidence in the economy, providing opportunities for the re-skilling of those who had lost their jobs, and assisting people to get back to work. It was a whole-of-Government initiative, for delivery across a range of Departments. While it is not possible to indicate the exact number of positions which have been filled as a result of the measures introduced under the Jobs Initiative, there is no doubt that they are contributing to both maintaining existing jobs and creating new ones.
The Jobs Initiative introduced a reduction in the VAT rate from 13.5% to 9% from 1 July 2011 on a range of labour-intensive services, with a particular focus on the hospitality sector. The Government also halved employers’ PRSI in respect of those earning up to €356 per annum. These measures helped to support an annual increase in employment of 8,700 people in the Accommodation and Food Services sector in the first quarter of 2102, as reported in the Quarterly National Household Survey published by the Central Statistics Office on 7 June. The Government has also introduced a visa-waiver scheme, which was announced in the Jobs Initiative, to further support the tourism sector. The number of overseas visitors to Ireland increased by 7% in 2011, the first increase since 2007.
The Jobs Initiative targeted €135 million Capital spending at labour-intensive local projects, focussing on school works, local roads, energy efficiency and smarter travel projects. The level of take-up and activity under the domestic energy retrofitting schemes to date is demonstrably supporting employment. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland has reported that over 5,800 full time jobs were supported in 2011 through the Better Energy retrofitting scheme. This represented an increase of some 2,000 jobs being supported under the scheme.
The JobBridge National Internship Programme was announced in the Jobs Initiative and was launched on 1 July 2011. To date, over 10,000 people have participated on JobBridge. Initial feedback received by the Department of Social Protection indicates that approximately 40% of participants have been offered a position on or before completion of their internship. This figure is expected to increase as more detailed data is collected.
From my own Department’s perspective, the Jobs Initiative announced proposals for the introduction of a Partial Credit Guarantee scheme, a Microfinance Fund for small business start-ups, the extension of the 15 day prompt payment arrangements to the wider public sector, improvements to the R&D tax credit scheme, the introduction of a diaspora “job finders” scheme and improvements in access to procurement for SMEs. All of these measures, and many more, have been now implemented under the Action Plan for Jobs which followed on from the Jobs Initiative. These measures, which have been introduced in recent months, will have a sustainable impact on employment.
553. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
the number of new jobs created by his Department as a result of the action plan on jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37296/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
As I have pointed out on many occasions, the Government does not create jobs – entrepreneurs and successful businesses do. However, the Government has a key role to play in providing the environment where businesses can start-up, expand and create sustainable jobs.
554. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
the total amount spent on taxis by his Department since February 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37328/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
My Department operates a taxi account through National Radio Cabs whereby staff use taxis on account as necessary for business purposes. The amounts paid in respect of the account to National Radio Cabs for the past four years are set out in the attached table:
| Year | Total |
|---|---|
2009 | 17,853.00 |
2010 | 15,193.52 |
2011 | 11,719.94 |
2012 to date | 6,507.64 |
555. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
the number of press officers in his Department; the number of press officers in each agency under his auspices; the total cost of press officers in his Department and in agencies under his auspices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37344/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
The Press Officer function in my Department is performed by a Departmental civil servant at Higher Executive Officer level. The salary scale for the officer concerned is: €46,426 - €57,251. In addition, I have a Press Advisor who provides advice to me as Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation on press and communications matters. The salary scale for this officer is: €80,051 - €92,672. Staffing of the Agencies, under the auspices of my Department, including the posts of Press Officer and associated costs, is a day to day matter for the agencies. I have asked the Agencies to respond directly to the Deputy.
556. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
the total number of board appointees he has made since he came to office; the names, salaries and expenses of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37360/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
In line with the requirements of the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, details of Board members, including remuneration and expenses paid from 2009 onwards, can be sourced from the annual reports of the agencies concerned. However, to the extent that information on remuneration and expenses of these Board members is immediately available to me, I have included it in this reply. In all cases, expenses are set in accordance with Department of Finance guidelines.
Since I came into Office, the following Board appointments have been made:
Health and Safety Authority (HAS)
Mr John Newham, a Principal Officer in my Department, was appointed to the Board of the Health and Safety Authority on 10 April 2012. He does not receive any fees or expenses.
Shannon Development
Mr Stephen Curran, a Principal Officer in my Department was appointed to the Board of Shannon Development on 23 February 2012. Mr Curran does not receive any remuneration in respect of this appointment. Since his appointment, Mr Curran has received expenses amounting to €1,148.87.
Forfas
I have made two appointments to the board of Forfás. Mr John Murphy, Secretary General of my Department, and Professor Mark Ferguson, Director General, Science Foundation Ireland, were appointed on 18 January 2012. No board fees are payable in respect of either of these appointments and no expenses have been paid to date in respect of either appointment.
National Standards Authority of Ireland Board (NSAI)
Ms Barbara O’Leary and Mr Terry Landers were appointed to the Board of NSAI on 6th March 2012. Both appointments were publicly advertised and Ms O’Leary and Mr Landers both applied through the expressions of interest process. Mr Landers has waived his fee and, as a public servant, Ms O’Leary is not entitled to a fee.
Two staff representatives, Ms Anne Clarke and Mr Kierán Cox, were appointed on 14 April 2012 following an open election within the agency. Neither of the two staff representatives is entitled to a fee and no expenses have been paid to date.
Competition Authority
While it does not have a typical board structure, the Competition Authority consists of a Chairperson and up to four other members who act as an executive board. The Competition Acts 2002 to 2010 set out the requirements pertaining to appointments to the Authority.
I re-appointed Mr Declan Purcell as Chairperson of the Competition Authority on 1 July 2011. Following his retirement, I appointed Ms Isolde Goggin as Chairperson with effect from 1st October 2011 following her selection by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) through which the recruitment was administered.
I appointed Ms Noreen Mackey and Mr David McFadden as temporary members of the Authority in July 2011 and I subsequently re-appointed both from 1st October. On 9th August 2011, I re-appointed Mr Ciarán Quigley as a temporary member of the Authority. These temporary members were re-placed by Mr Stephen Calkins on 01 December 2011, Mr Gerald FitzGerald on the 5 December 2011 and by Mr Patrick Kenny whom I appointed on 9 January 2012.
The Chairperson of the Authority is paid at a salary level equivalent to Deputy Secretary General Grade while members are paid a salary equivalent of the Assistant Secretary grade.
Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority
Seven appointments were made to the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA).
Mr Dave Martin and Mr Kevin O’Donovan were both appointed as nominees of the Prescribed Accountancy Bodies on the 26 May 2011. On 3 January 2012, I appointed Ms Sylvia McNeece of the Irish Pension Board, Ms Deirdre Behan of the Revenue Commissioners, Ms Mairead Devine of the Central Bank, Ms Marie Daly of the Irish Business and Employers’ Confederation and Mr Sean Hawkshaw of the Irish Association of Investment Managers. These appointments were made in compliance with the Companies (Auditing and Accounting) Act 2003.
On 8 March 2012, I appointed Mr Conor O’Mahony of the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement. As a public servant, Mr O’Mahony does not receive a fee.
Ms Muireann O'Neill was appointed to the board of IAASA on 1 September 2012. She receives a fee of €7,695 per annum.
National Consumer Agency
In November 2011, Ms Isolde Goggin, Chairperson of the Competition Authority, was also appointed to the Board of the National Consumer Agency. Ms Goggin is Chairperson designate of the new body which will be established on foot of the merger of the Competition Authority and the National Consumer Agency.
Mr Stephen Costello, Chairman and Mr Robin O'Sullivan were both reappointed to the Agency with effect from 1 May 2012 and 6 May 2012 respectively.
Ms Colleen Savage and Mr Eugene Gallagher were appointed to the Board of the National Consumer Agency on 6th May 2012.
As a Category 2 State Body, the NCA Chair is entitled to a fee of €20,520 while board members are entitled to a fee of €11,970. Ms Goggin as Chairperson of the Competition Authority does not receive a fee.
PIAB
Five appointments were made to the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) since March 2011. Ms Ann Fitzgerald was reappointed on the 8 September 2011 in her capacity as Chief Executive of the National Consumer Agency.
Ms Breda Power, an Assistant Secretary in my Department was appointed on 26 October 2011 as the Department’s representative. She does not receive a fee.
I also appointed Mr Martin Naughton on 5 April 2012 and Dr Fionnuala O'Loughlin and Mr John Lynch in the 1 August 2012. These appointments followed a request for expressions of interest through the Public Appointments Service.
Fees paid to board members are contained in PIAB’s Annual Reports. No expenses were paid to board members in 2011.
Science Foundation Ireland (SFI)
I re-appointed Prof Rita Colwell and Prof Martina-Newell McGloughlin to the SFI Board with effect from 26 July 2011. Board fees of €11,307 were paid to both in respect of 2011.
Professor Mark Ferguson was appointed to the Board of Science Foundation Ireland on 16th January 2012 on his commencement in the post of Director General of the Foundation. No board fee is applicable.
I also appointed Mr. Dermot Curran, Assistant Secretary at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation to the SFI Board with effect from 1 September 2012. As a serving public servant a Board Fee is not applicable to Mr. Curran. The above appointments were each approved by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, and followed consultation with the Minister for Education and Skills.
InterTrade Ireland
The InterTradeIreland Board expired on the 12th December 2011. With effect from 13th December 2011, I appointed Mr Martin Cronin, Mr John Corbett, Mr Kevin Norton and Ms Mairead Sorenson to the Board.
InterTradeIreland Board members receive annual fees. These fees are at levels set by the North South ministerial Council. The fees and expenses paid to date to the current Board members from the Republic of Ireland are set out below.
| Board member | Annual fees | Expenses paid to date |
|---|---|---|
| Martin Cronin | €11,970 | - |
| Joanne Spain | €9,830 | €567.35 |
| Brendan Butler | €7,695 | - |
| Kevin Norton | €7,695 | €710.62 |
| Mairead Sorensen | €7,695 | €529.96 |
| John Corbett | €7,695 | - |
557. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
if he will detail, in tabular form, the total photography costs for his Department since coming to office inclusive of costs incurred from use of the Ministerial allowance; the occasions for which photographers were booked; the photographers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion that a photographers was used; if there is a policy regarding the booking of photographers within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37376/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
I can advise the Deputy that the total photography costs incurred by my Department since coming to office are €5,079. The list of occasions for which photographers were booked, the photographers used and the breakdown of costs is detailed in the table below. No expenditure for photography was incurred from ministerial allowances.
| Occasion for which Photographer was booked | Name of Photographer | Breakdown of costs associated with each occasion |
|---|---|---|
| Small Business Advisory Group Launch | Mac Innes Photography Ltd | €409 |
| Irish Ambassadors for Female Entrepreneurship | Mac Innes Photography Ltd | €223 |
| One millionth Document Filed Online at the Companies Registration Office | Jason Clarke Photography | €484 |
| ministerial image shot for Repeat use | Mac Innes Photography Ltd | €245 |
| Launch of the Final Report of the Sales Law Review Group | Mac Innes Photography Ltd | €386 |
| Launch of Research, Prioritisation Report | Jason Clarke Photography | €492 |
| Launch of Action Plan for Jobs | Mac Innes Photography Ltd | €438 |
| Action Plan for Jobs Roadshow, Cork | B.L. macGill Photography | €200 |
| Capital Investment Announcement | Mac Innes Photography Ltd | €284 |
| Action Plan for Jobs Roadshow, Limerick | Press22 | €312 |
| Launch of the Report of “The Voice of Small Business” | Mac Innes Photography Ltd | €284 |
| Action Plan for Jobs Roadshow, Waterford | Gerry O’Carroll Photography | €298 |
| Launch of I.P. Protocol | Fennell Photography | €301 |
| Launch of Business Regulation Portal | Fennell Photography | €301 |
| Establishment of Clustering Development | Fennell Photography | €331 |
| “Managing out of the Crisis” Guide | Fennell Photography | €91 |
558. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
if he will provide in tabular form the budget for each county and city enterprise board, the budget in 2012; if funding has changed since the budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37385/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
Budget 2012 contains details of the overall funding available to my Department which is not broken down on an individual County and City Enterprise Board (CEB) basis. There has been no change to this figure since the Budget. In Budget 2012, the CEBs received an Exchequer Capital Allocation of €15 million towards the provision of grants and soft supports to the micro-enterprise sector. Individual CEB Capital Allocations were then made by the CEB Central Coordination Unit (CCU) based within Enterprise Ireland early in the first quarter of 2012 in line with established allocation criteria.
In determining the allocations to individual CEBs a systematic approach is adopted by the CCU to ensure the maximum degree of objectivity and equity of treatment. This approach involves the provision of funding on the basis of a standard allocation to each CEB as well as an extra allocation that is determined mainly by population but which also takes account of issues such as local unemployment trends, capacity to spend, existing commitments and regional spread.
As in previous years, should additional funding be required and become available from savings elsewhere in the Department, full consideration will be given to making extra Capital funding available to the CEBs during the course of the year. Individual Budget Allocations requested by the Deputy are set out in tabular format below.
CEB NAME | Capital Allocation |
|---|---|
| Carlow | € 346,965.00 |
| Cavan | € 364,645.00 |
| Clare | € 407,068.00 |
| Cork City | € 409,022.00 |
| Cork North | € 380,316.00 |
| Cork South | € 526,614.00 |
| Cork West | € 361,083.00 |
| Donegal | € 449,521.00 |
| Dublin City | € 814,462.00 |
| Dublin South | € 550,008.00 |
| Dun Laoghaire | € 493,928.00 |
| Fingal | € 557,601.00 |
| Galway | € 535,903.00 |
| Kerry | € 434,215.00 |
| Kildare | € 496,781.00 |
| Kilkenny | € 386,320.00 |
| Laois | € 371,956.00 |
| Leitrim | € 311,398.00 |
| Limerick City | € 349,131.00 |
| Limerick County | € 424,074.00 |
| Longford | € 331,965.00 |
| Louth | € 412,777.00 |
| Mayo | € 420,242.00 |
| Meath | € 471,795.00 |
| Monaghan | € 352,712.00 |
| Offaly | € 368,536.00 |
| Roscommon | € 355,993.00 |
| Sligo | € 357,316.00 |
| Tipperary North | € 362,086.00 |
| Tipperary South | € 379,643.00 |
| Waterford City | € 339,461.00 |
| Waterford County | € 358,944.00 |
| Westmeath | € 377,260.00 |
| Wexford | € 434,432.00 |
| Wicklow | € 425,926.00 |
| Total | € 14,720,099.00 |
559. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
the level of funding available for the job expansion fund and the competitive start fund in 2011; if this has changed since the budget; if the conditions have changed since the budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37386/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
The objective of the Job Expansion Fund is to assist Enterprise Ireland client companies with significant growth potential achieve increased employment. A company can obtain grant support up to a maximum of €150,000 towards the recruitment of new employees. Under the Fund, commitments of €4.7m were made for 2011. The Job Expansion Fund is continuing along similar lines and so far in 2012, funding of €4.7m has been approved.
560. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
the level of funding to Science Foundation Ireland over the years 2004 to 2011; its budget for 2012; the number of researchers supported in each year; the anticipated number of researchers supported next year; if conditions for qualifying for funding have changed since the budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37393/12]
563. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
if he will state the projections for the numbers of researchers to be supported under Science Foundation Ireland funding in each of the years 2012 to 2016 under the announced capital funding; the comparable figures for the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37396/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Sean Sherlock):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 560 and 563 together.
Table 1 below sets out the Science Foundation Ireland expenditure for the period 2004 – 2011 inclusive. Table 2 below sets out the number of researchers supported by Science Foundation Ireland over the period 2004 – 2011 inclusive.
Science Foundation Ireland’s capital grant budget for 2012 is €156m, which will enable the Foundation to retain support for the current levels of approximately 3,000 researchers and 28 research centres. Table 3 below sets out Science Foundation Ireland’s 2012 budget. For 2012 the pay and administrative programme costs associated with running its various programmes include provision in respect of the Discover Science and Engineering programme, for which responsibility transferred from Forfas to Science Foundation Ireland in March 2012.
The Programme for Government commits to accelerating the commercialisation of research and exploitation of new technologies. Clearly given Ireland’s fiscal difficulties, there is a great imperative to ensure that publicly funded research and development will yield the maximum benefits for the country – most particularly in terms of downstream jobs.
Since the 2012 Budget there have been many policy actions completed which will impact across Ireland’s research ecosystem. These actions include the National Research Prioritisation exercise, the ASCTI report on Sustainability of Research Centres, and the streamlining of national IP arrangements amongst other things.
Given Ireland’s current fiscal circumstances there is a need to accelerate the delivery of economic and societal benefits from our investment in research by prioritising resources in areas of opportunity, building closer collaboration between the research base and enterprise and making it easier to commercialise and use new knowledge. However, we recognise that we cannot sustain this without maintaining the world class research base that we have built over the past decade.
Therefore consistent with Government policy, as detailed in the above reports and aligned to the Programme for Government, SFI is now seeking to build upon the groundwork already put in place by continuing to invest in excellent research and by engendering greater impact from its funded research for the benefit of Ireland. In this context, legislation is in preparation to enable SFI to fund applied research in addition to its existing remit to fund oriented basic research. Subject to debate in the Houses of the Oireachtas in the coming months, this legislation should be enacted by the end of 2012 or in early 2013.
Whilst there has been some reduction in capital funding to the SFI since the 2009 the Foundation has been able to sustain its direct support to a cohort of 3,000 researchers. The policy intention is that SFI can continue to provide this level of support in the years ahead but it shall be dependent on multiple variables, not just funding provision but also critically on the quality and strategic relevance for enterprise of the research applications being submitted. It shall also be dependent on wider factors such as what our international competitors are doing. In essence though, the principal conditions for qualifying for SFI grant funding remain unchanged, namely scientific excellence, as determined by rigorous international peer-review, and alignment with the strategic needs of Irish industry.
Table 1
| Year | Capital/ Research grants ( € ) | Current expenditure - Pay ( € ) | Administrative costs of running grant programmes ( € ) | Other (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 108.59m | 1.32m | 3.82m | 0 |
| 2005 | 118.20m | 2.74m | 4.62m | 0 |
| 2006 | 139.86m | 3.21m | 4.49m | 0 |
| 2007 | 155.72m | 3.56m | 4.77m | 0 |
| 2008 | 158.81m | 4.37m | 5.01m | 0 |
| 2009 | 171.17m | 4.67m | 4.54m | 0 |
| 2010 | 150.00m | 4.32m | 3.92m | 0 |
| 2011 | 153.80m | 4.29m | 3.56m | 5m* |
| Year | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. of Researchers | 1,067 | 1,610 | 1,362 | 1,909 | 2,812 | 3,225 | 2,999 | 2,995 |
| Capital Research Grants (€) | Current Expenditure - Pay | Administrative costs of running grant programmes | Other / E-Journals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 156.00m | 4.43m | 4.236m | 5.00m |
561. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
the progress made on the development of an International Content Services Centre to make Ireland world leader in managing intellectual property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37394/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
In line with a commitment in the Programme for Government, following an open competitive tender process at the end of last year, consultants were selected by my Department to undertake a feasibility study to examine what structures and policies could be developed to make Ireland a world centre for managing and trading in intellectual property (IP). The objectives of the study were: to identify and describe the emerging trends in IP Portfolio Management in corporations globally; and taking account of such global emerging trends, to identify options and models for Ireland to leverage its existing strengths to become an internationally attractive centre for managing and trading in IP, such that this could realise an economic and jobs potential.
562. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
the amount of funding made available for the Source Ireland portal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37395/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
“Source a Product or Service from Ireland” is a priority link on the Enterprise Ireland website homepage and enables those seeking to source a product or service from Ireland to browse for information and to submit an enquiry to Enterprise Ireland in relation to their business needs. The web page contains profiles of Irish suppliers of goods and services across a wide range of sectors. The “Source a Product or Service from Ireland” portal was improved in 2012 by adding further information and directories on the range of products available from Ireland. This new data was sourced from Enterprise Ireland’s client base, in particular from directories of companies participating in overseas Trade Missions. The cost of providing this service is included in Enterprise Ireland’s operating costs, and no additional expenditure was incurred in this project.
Question No. 563 answered with Question No. 560.
564. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
the effect on competitiveness, as reported to him by Forfás, if businesses must pay in full for employees' sick leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37397/12]
565. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
the effect on employment and the number of jobs which could be lost, as reported to him by Forfás, if businesses must pay in full for employees' sick leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37398/12]
566. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
the effect on wages, as reported to him by Forfás, if businesses must pay in full for employees' sick leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37399/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 564 to 566, inclusive, together.
567. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
in the context of the IDA’s Horizon 2020 strategy objective that 50% of investments will be located outside Dublin and Cork, and recent site visit and start up figures, his views on whether Cork is disadvantaged by this strategy and receives a disproportionately low number of site visits, new investment and jobs for its size and potential compared to Dublin and the rest of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37400/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
In accordance with its Horizon 2020 Strategy, IDA Ireland is aiming to create 63,000 new jobs over the period 2010-2014, with 50% of these investments to be based in locations outside of Dublin and Cork. Central to IDA Ireland’s strategy is to build on existing regional strengths to ensure Ireland’s economic development, while optimising regional spread, in line with the National Spatial Strategy.
568. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
if he will provide in tabular form the number of IDA supported job announcements each week since the start of the year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37401/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
Details of IDA Ireland’s job and investment announcements are available on the Agency’s website and show that, up to the end of August 2012, there had been 55 IDA announcements which will result in the creation of 5,450 jobs.
569. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
if he will provide in tabular form the number of Enterprise Ireland supported job announcements each week since the start of the year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37403/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
The attached table provides information on the jobs announcements made by Enterprise Ireland since January 2012. I wish to confirm to the Deputy that all Enterprise Ireland job announcements are published on their website in press release format at: www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/ News
Enterprise Ireland Job Announcements January 2012 – End of August 2012
| Month | Number of jobs | Company name |
|---|---|---|
| 13/01/2012 | 250 | Eishtec, Waterford |
| 10/01/2012 | 12 | Blueface, Dublin |
| 16/01/2012 | 30 | Sysnet Global Solutions, Dublin |
| 16/01/2012 | 45 | Openjaw, Dublin |
| 17/05/2012 | 37 | Copperfasten, Co. Galway |
| 23/05/2012 | 65 | Dawn Meats, Waterford |
| 25/05/2012 | 40 | Technopath Ballina, Co. Tipperary |
| 25/06/2012 | 30 | EirGen Pharma, Waterford |
| 25/06/2012 | 45 | Danone Baby Nutrition, Wexford |
| 16/07/2012 | 41 | Shay Murtagh Precast Ltd, Westmeath. |
570. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
the progress he has made in relation to abolishing city and county enterprise boards; if he will detail in tabular form the expected saving by county, to the number in employment in each unit, the expected reduction in numbers employed, the expected saving following abolition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37405/12]
587. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
his policy on city and county enterprise boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37433/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 570 and 587 together.
The Government has approved the restructuring of the enterprise support model for the micro and small business sectors. This restructuring will include: -The dissolution of the County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) and the transfer of their functions, assets and liabilities to Enterprise Ireland (EI),
An Implementation Working Group (IWG), under the Chair of my Department, is currently focussed on implementing the Government decision. The IWG, which includes all key stakeholders, is working out the detail of the new arrangements and is to report back to the Minister by the end of the year. In tandem with the work of the IWG my Department is engaged with the Office of the Attorney General regarding the primary legislation that will be necessary to implement the new arrangements. Clearly, the progress of the legislation will determine the timing of the formal establishment date of the new arrangements coming to effect.
-The development of a new Small and Micro Business Division within Enterprise Ireland (EI) as a centre of excellence in the provision of supports to the small and micro enterprise sectors,
-The establishment of Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) to provide a “one-stop-shop” for small businesses within Local Authorities.
Synergies will be achieved in time in terms of a more streamlined model for the delivery of enterprise supports/interventions to the micro-enterprise sector. Some savings on current expenditure are envisaged in the medium term, e.g. on reduced accommodation costs. There will be no savings on staffing. The existing staff of the CEBs will be an integral part of the new arrangements.
I will retain responsibility for national enterprise policy and budgets under the restructured micro-enterprise support model. I am confident that the Local Enterprise Office network will bring together best practice from the CEBs, Enterprise Ireland and the Local Authorities and form the platform for enhanced service delivery to our micro and small business sector, which is central to our plans for jobs and growth and ultimately our economic recovery.
571. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
if a decision has been made on whether the media mergers aspect of the Consumer and Competition Bill will be dealt with by the Minister for Communications; when the Bill will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37406/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
In July 2011 the Government approved the draft heads of the Consumer and Competition Bill which, inter alia, gives effect to the recommendations of the Advisory Group on Media Mergers in full with two amendments:
This Bill is currently being drafted by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel and I expect to publish it later this year. Therefore while responsibility for the public interest test will transfer to the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources it will do so under legislation which I am sponsoring.
· one sees the change in relevant Minister for public interest considerations from the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation to the Minster for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, and
· the other relates to designating the relevant Joint Oireachtas Committee as a notifiable body when the Minister is considering proposed media mergers from the public interest aspect.
572. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
the projected number of jobs created by the Industrial Development Authority and Enterprise Ireland backed companies in 2012 in each county; the projection for 2012 this time last year; the projection for 2013; the numbers created in each of 2008 to 2011 by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37407/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
IDA Ireland’s goal is to attract new foreign direct investment to Ireland and to encourage existing client companies to engage in transformation activities in order to sustain employment. Details of jobs created in IDA Ireland client companies by county and by region from 2008 to 2011 are set out in the attached tabular statement. At end 2011, there were 130,499 people employed in 1,004 IDA client companies.
Under the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs, IDA Ireland has been set a target of creating 12,500 new jobs in 2012, with an associated 8,750 in the wider economy, giving a total impact of 21,250 jobs in 2012. The target for 2013 will be agreed towards the end of 2012, with the overall aim of reaching 62,000 new jobs by 2014 in line with the IDA’s Horizon 2020 Strategy, which covers the period 2010 to 2014. The actual number of jobs created in 2012 in companies supported by IDA Ireland will not be available until the Forfás Employment Survey is published in 2013.
Enterprise Ireland’s objective is to drive the growth of Irish-owned companies in overseas markets which, in turn, will support existing jobs and new job creation. Export growth provides a sustainable route for companies to grow their employment EI actively works with its companies to help them to both sustain and create jobs. A total of more than 162,000 people (full and part-time) directly rely on Enterprise Ireland client companies for their employment. The number of jobs created by Enterprise Ireland’s client companies in each county between 2008 and 2011 is set out in the attached tabular statement.
For 2012, the projection for new jobs to be created in Enterprise Ireland assisted companies is 10,300. This projection is broadly similar to that made for 2012, at this time last year. A similar number is forecast for 2013. Projections are not made at a county level. The actual number of jobs created in 2012 in companies supported by Enterprise Ireland will not be available until the Forfás Employment Survey is published in 2013.
Jobs Created in IDA Ireland Supported Companies by County
and by Region from 2008 to 2011
| County | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cavan | 32 | 18 | 52 | 3 |
| Louth | 75 | 34 | 43 | 110 |
| Monaghan | 15 | 19 | 28 | 0 |
| NORTH-EAST | 122 | 71 | 123 | 113 |
| Donegal | 67 | 63 | 152 | 271 |
| Leitrim | 35 | 5 | 65 | 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sligo | 103 | 54 | 53 | 93 |
| NORTH-WEST | 205 | 122 | 270 | 371 |
| Laois | 0 | 17 | 10 | 3 |
| Longford | 30 | 8 | 4 | 0 |
| Offaly | 29 | 22 | 22 | 31 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roscommon | 41 | 0 | 12 | 45 |
| Westmeath | 134 | 231 | 128 | 194 |
| MIDLANDS | 234 | 278 | 176 | 273 |
| Galway | 611 | 442 | 768 | 980 |
| Mayo | 132 | 97 | 183 | 85 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WEST | 743 | 539 | 951 | 1,065 |
| Clare | 139 | 122 | 30 | 16 |
| Limerick | 288 | 172 | 163 | 242 |
| Tipp North | 13 | 0 | 14 | 22 |
| MID-WEST | 440 | 294 | 207 | 280 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cork | 2,116 | 1,108 | 1,385 | 1,957 |
| Kerry | 86 | 25 | 50 | 163 |
| SOUTH-WEST | 2,202 | 1,133 | 1,435 | 2,120 |
| Carlow | 74 | 49 | 87 | 75 |
| Kilkenny | 1 | 0 | 17 | 33 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tipp South | 262 | 252 | 56 | 84 |
| Waterford | 176 | 112 | 146 | 72 |
| Wexford | 91 | 14 | 100 | 51 |
| SOUTH-EAST | 604 | 427 | 406 | 315 |
| Dublin | 4,353 | 2,276 | 4,228 | 6,540 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kildare | 113 | 30 | 1,228 | 398 |
| Meath | 134 | 30 | 38 | 53 |
| Wicklow | 53 | 39 | 13 | 66 |
| EAST | 4,653 | 2,375 | 5,507 | 7,057 |
| County | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | |
| Carlow | 227 | 40 | 239 | 241 |
| Cavan | 852 | 89 | 194 | 337 |
| Clare | 87 | 51 | 148 | 101 |
| Cork | 1,342 | 1,031 | 1,207 | 1,047 |
| Donegal | 270 | 164 | 218 | 301 |
| Dublin | 4,846 | 3,625 | 4,472 | 2,295 |
| Galway | 553 | 380 | 628 | 732 |
| Kerry | 262 | 164 | 139 | 117 |
| Kildare | 351 | 438 | 293 | 218 |
| Kilkenny | 176 | 74 | 122 | 130 |
| Laois | 93 | 23 | 76 | 71 |
| Leitrim | 44 | 12 | 31 | 48 |
| Limerick | 515 | 342 | 428 | 215 |
| Longford | 141 | 120 | 74 | 86 |
| Louth | 473 | 211 | 256 | 518 |
| Mayo | 245 | 203 | 144 | 304 |
| Meath | 324 | 339 | 301 | 268 |
| Monaghan | 341 | 70 | 252 | 344 |
| Offaly | 690 | 100 | 269 | 165 |
| Roscommon | 39 | 37 | 46 | 103 |
| Sligo | 88 | 75 | 131 | 122 |
| Tipperary North Riding | 91 | 23 | 161 | 76 |
| Tipperary South Riding | 301 | 54 | 78 | 94 |
| Waterford | 494 | 316 | 434 | 406 |
| Westmeath | 379 | 92 | 154 | 340 |
| Wexford | 397 | 308 | 294 | 180 |
| Wicklow | 265 | 83 | 212 | 180 |
573. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
his position regarding the Anti Counterfeiting Trade Agreement; if he will be instructing MEPs from Government parties to support the matter when it comes before them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37408/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Sean Sherlock):
As the Deputy is aware the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) is an international trade agreement that aims to help countries work together to tackle more effectively large-scale Intellectual Property Rights violations by clamping down on counterfeiting and piracy. It aims to strike a fair balance between the interests of the parties concerned, including citizens, consumers, civil society and business; and to guarantee all safeguards and exemptions provided by existing or European norms, such as fundamental rights, privacy and freedom of speech.
The Agreement was signed by the EU and 21 of its member states (including Ireland) on the 26 January 2012. However, the European Union and its Member States cannot ratify the Agreement without the consent of the European Parliament. The European Parliament has already held a vote on ACTA in its plenary session on the 4 July 2012, where parliament voted to reject the Agreement.
574. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
the number of targets missed in the Action Plan for Jobs; if targets have been reset; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37410/12]
575. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
the reason targets were missed in the Action Plan for Jobs; if there will be consequences for missed targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37411/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 574 and 575 together.
The Government published the Action Plan for Jobs 2012 in February this year. The Plan contains 270 actions to be implemented in 2012 across all Government Departments as well as 36 State agencies to improve the operating environment for business and remove barriers to employment creation. The 270 individual actions are further broken down into Quarterly milestones or targets, specifying the body responsible for implementation in each case. Progress Reports on the delivery of these milestones are published at the end of each Quarter.
As part of its commitment to drive the implementation of the Action Plan, the Government established a Committee to monitor the delivery of the Quarterly targets on an on-going basis. The Monitoring Committee comprises senior officials from my Department, the Department of the Taoiseach, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, and Forfás. To date, two Quarterly Progress Reports on the Action Plan have been published. The First Progress Report found that 80 of the 83 (96%) measures due to be implemented in the first quarter of the year were delivered on time. The Second Progress Report found that 72 of the 77 (94%) measures to be implemented in that quarter were delivered on time. Explanations for measures which were delayed are set out in the Progress Reports which are available on my Department’s website, www.djei.ie.
Work on bringing these delayed targets to completion continued and I can report that all eight of the measures which were delayed in Quarter 1 and Quarter 2 have now been implemented. Therefore, 100% of the measures for delivery under the Action Plan for Jobs for the first half of the year have now been completed. The Progress Report on the Action Plan deliverables for the Third Quarter of 2012 will be published in mid-October.
576. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
which of the recommendations of the Advisory Group on Small Businesses that have been implemented; if he intends to implement all of the recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37412/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
The Minister for Small Business, John Perry, chairs the Advisory Group on Small Business. This group published the Voice of Small Business Report in 2011, which was submitted to the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Employment as the recommended small business actions for consideration in the Action Plan for Jobs.
The Voice of Small Business contains fifty-seven actions across twelve broad policy areas. Thirty-four of the Advisory Groups actions/recommendations were included in the Action Plan for Jobs. The first two Quarterly Reports of the Action Plan for Jobs shows that sixteen of the thirty-four actions met their Quarter 1 and Quarter 2 timelines (the others have varying timelines). The two Progress Reports are published on the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation website. Eighteen further actions have different timelines which will be progressed over the remainder of 2012 and reported on in subsequent Action Plan for Jobs Quarterly Reports. The remaining 23 Actions from the Advisory Group’s Report, not included in the Action Plan for Jobs will be considered by the Group for inclusion in the Action Plan for Jobs 2013.
| No | Action | Lead Responsibility | Time frame | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lending Facilities and Access to Finance | |||
| Address the needs of small business as a matter of priority | DJEI | Ongoing | ||
| Implement Partial Credit Guarantee Scheme | DJEI | Q1 & Q2 | Q1 & Q2 complete | |
| Implement Microenterprise Loan Fund | DJEI | Q1 & Q2 | Q1 & Q2 complete | |
| 2 | Labour Markets Cost and Flexibility | |||
| Implement a coordinated national labour Market Policy | DJEI/DoF/DSP | Q1 & Q3 | Q1 complete | |
| 4 | Cost of Doing Business | |||
| 4a | Raise awareness among SMEs on reducing energy | SEI/IDA/EI/ CEBS/Ind. Assoc | Ongoing | Ongoing |
| 4b | Accelerate introduction of broad based property tax and water charges | DECLG | Q1 | House hold charge introduced |
Advance a range of solutions to reduce costs
-Direct Local Authorities to lower their Annual Rate on Valuation for 2012
| DECLG | Ongoing Q1 Q1 Q2 Q2 | Q1 complete Q1 complete Q2 delayed Q2 complete | |
| 4c | Report on progress to date towards Government 25% reduction target | DJEI | Ongoing | |
| Audit and review multiplicity of licences required by businesses | DJEI | Q1 & Q3 | Q1 complete | |
| Improve cooperation between State inspection & enforcement bodies incl. development of a Unique Business Identifier | DJEI/DPER/ Other Depts | Q2 | Q2 complete | |
| 5 | Government Procurement – Enabling Access by SMEs | |||
| Develop public sector supply chain access opportunities for small business using prequalification online process | DJEI/DPER/ NPS/EI | Q1 - Q4 | Q1 & Q2 complete | |
| Support training & development of small firms and procurers | NPS/DJEI | Q2 | Q2 complete | |
| Develop and implement a new model for procuring innovation within the public sector. | DJEI/DPER/EI | Q1 - Q4 | Q1 & Q2 complete | |
| Establish an appeals mechanism that facilitates small firms to report concerns | NPS | Q2 – Q3 | Q2 complete | |
| 8 | Improving Cash flow | |||
| 8a | Make available an Official Notice re: 15 day Prompt payments Rule | DJEI | Q1 | Complete in full |
| 9 | Managing out of the Crisis | |||
| Develop a one-page guide encouraging small businesses to ask for help | DJEI | Q2 | Complete in full | |
| 10 | Management Development for Growth | |||
| 10b | Deliver on MDC recommendations – allocate funding for SME management development | DES/Skillnets | Q1 & Q2 | Q1 & Q2 complete |
577. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
his policy on job creation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37414/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
As I have pointed out on many occasions, the Government does not create jobs – entrepreneurs and successful businesses do. However, the Government has a key role to play in providing the environment where businesses can start-up, expand and create jobs. Within the first 100 days of coming into office, the Government introduced a Jobs Initiative which was aimed at rebuilding confidence in the economy, providing opportunities for re-skilling for those who had lost their jobs, and assisting people to get back to work.
578. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
his policy on reducing costs for businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37417/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
A key objective of the Government is to create a supportive enterprise environment so businesses can start up, grow and generate employment. To do this, we need to keep costs for business as low as possible, reduce unnecessary administrative burdens and provide supports to enterprises where appropriate. Some operating costs for business are largely outside the control of Government. For example, fuel and energy prices are primarily driven by external factors such as global fossil fuel prices. The Government’s approach has been to identify those areas of policy it can influence to bring about cost reductions or provide supports to business.
574. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
the number of targets missed in the Action Plan for Jobs; if targets have been reset; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37410/12]
575. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
the reason targets were missed in the Action Plan for Jobs; if there will be consequences for missed targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37411/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 574 and 575 together.
The Government published the Action Plan for Jobs 2012 in February this year. The Plan contains 270 actions to be implemented in 2012 across all Government Departments as well as 36 State agencies to improve the operating environment for business and remove barriers to employment creation. The 270 individual actions are further broken down into Quarterly milestones or targets, specifying the body responsible for implementation in each case. Progress Reports on the delivery of these milestones are published at the end of each Quarter.
As part of its commitment to drive the implementation of the Action Plan, the Government established a Committee to monitor the delivery of the Quarterly targets on an on-going basis. The Monitoring Committee comprises senior officials from my Department, the Department of the Taoiseach, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, and Forfás. To date, two Quarterly Progress Reports on the Action Plan have been published. The First Progress Report found that 80 of the 83 (96%) measures due to be implemented in the first quarter of the year were delivered on time. The Second Progress Report found that 72 of the 77 (94%) measures to be implemented in that quarter were delivered on time. Explanations for measures which were delayed are set out in the Progress Reports which are available on my Department’s website, www.djei.ie.
Work on bringing these delayed targets to completion continued and I can report that all eight of the measures which were delayed in Quarter 1 and Quarter 2 have now been implemented. Therefore, 100% of the measures for delivery under the Action Plan for Jobs for the first half of the year have now been completed. The Progress Report on the Action Plan deliverables for the Third Quarter of 2012 will be published in mid-October.
576. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
which of the recommendations of the Advisory Group on Small Businesses that have been implemented; if he intends to implement all of the recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37412/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
The Minister for Small Business, John Perry, chairs the Advisory Group on Small Business. This group published the Voice of Small Business Report in 2011, which was submitted to the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Employment as the recommended small business actions for consideration in the Action Plan for Jobs.
The Voice of Small Business contains fifty-seven actions across twelve broad policy areas. Thirty-four of the Advisory Groups actions/recommendations were included in the Action Plan for Jobs. The first two Quarterly Reports of the Action Plan for Jobs shows that sixteen of the thirty-four actions met their Quarter 1 and Quarter 2 timelines (the others have varying timelines). The two Progress Reports are published on the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation website. Eighteen further actions have different timelines which will be progressed over the remainder of 2012 and reported on in subsequent Action Plan for Jobs Quarterly Reports. The remaining 23 Actions from the Advisory Group’s Report, not included in the Action Plan for Jobs will be considered by the Group for inclusion in the Action Plan for Jobs 2013.
| No | Action | Lead Responsibility | Time frame | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lending Facilities and Access to Finance | |||
| Address the needs of small business as a matter of priority | DJEI | Ongoing | ||
| Implement Partial Credit Guarantee Scheme | DJEI | Q1 & Q2 | Q1 & Q2 complete | |
| Implement Microenterprise Loan Fund | DJEI | Q1 & Q2 | Q1 & Q2 complete | |
| 2 | Labour Markets Cost and Flexibility | |||
| Implement a coordinated national labour Market Policy | DJEI/DoF/DSP | Q1 & Q3 | Q1 complete | |
| 4 | Cost of Doing Business | |||
| 4a | Raise awareness among SMEs on reducing energy | SEI/IDA/EI/ CEBS/Ind. Assoc | Ongoing | Ongoing |
| 4b | Accelerate introduction of broad based property tax and water charges | DECLG | Q1 | House hold charge introduced |
Advance a range of solutions to reduce costs
-Direct Local Authorities to lower their Annual Rate on Valuation for 2012
| DECLG | Ongoing Q1 Q1 Q2 Q2 | Q1 complete Q1 complete Q2 delayed Q2 complete | |
| 4c | Report on progress to date towards Government 25% reduction target | DJEI | Ongoing | |
| Audit and review multiplicity of licences required by businesses | DJEI | Q1 & Q3 | Q1 complete | |
| Improve cooperation between State inspection & enforcement bodies incl. development of a Unique Business Identifier | DJEI/DPER/ Other Depts | Q2 | Q2 complete | |
| 5 | Government Procurement – Enabling Access by SMEs | |||
| Develop public sector supply chain access opportunities for small business using prequalification online process | DJEI/DPER/ NPS/EI | Q1 - Q4 | Q1 & Q2 complete | |
| Support training & development of small firms and procurers | NPS/DJEI | Q2 | Q2 complete | |
| Develop and implement a new model for procuring innovation within the public sector. | DJEI/DPER/EI | Q1 - Q4 | Q1 & Q2 complete | |
| Establish an appeals mechanism that facilitates small firms to report concerns | NPS | Q2 – Q3 | Q2 complete | |
| 8 | Improving Cash flow | |||
| 8a | Make available an Official Notice re: 15 day Prompt payments Rule | DJEI | Q1 | Complete in full |
| 9 | Managing out of the Crisis | |||
| Develop a one-page guide encouraging small businesses to ask for help | DJEI | Q2 | Complete in full | |
| 10 | Management Development for Growth | |||
| 10b | Deliver on MDC recommendations – allocate funding for SME management development | DES/Skillnets | Q1 & Q2 | Q1 & Q2 complete |
577. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
his policy on job creation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37414/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
As I have pointed out on many occasions, the Government does not create jobs – entrepreneurs and successful businesses do. However, the Government has a key role to play in providing the environment where businesses can start-up, expand and create jobs. Within the first 100 days of coming into office, the Government introduced a Jobs Initiative which was aimed at rebuilding confidence in the economy, providing opportunities for re-skilling for those who had lost their jobs, and assisting people to get back to work.
578. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
his policy on reducing costs for businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37417/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
A key objective of the Government is to create a supportive enterprise environment so businesses can start up, grow and generate employment. To do this, we need to keep costs for business as low as possible, reduce unnecessary administrative burdens and provide supports to enterprises where appropriate. Some operating costs for business are largely outside the control of Government. For example, fuel and energy prices are primarily driven by external factors such as global fossil fuel prices. The Government’s approach has been to identify those areas of policy it can influence to bring about cost reductions or provide supports to business.
579. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
his policy on improving access to credit for businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37418/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
Improving access to credit is a priority on the business agenda and is an issue which the Government is addressing in a comprehensive and co-ordinated manner. To address the issue my Department is currently in the process of introducing two targeted schemes to support an additional flow of credit into the economy namely the Microenterprise Loan Fund and the Temporary Partial Loan Guarantee Scheme.
The Microenterprise Loan Fund will improve access to credit for microenterprises and facilitate the growth and expansion of viable businesses from all industry sectors across the country, which have been refused access to credit from the banks. The Fund has a significant entrepreneurship focus to encourage all would-be entrepreneurs, including those who are unemployed. It will also add value to other Government schemes of support for entrepreneurs and unemployed persons, such as the Back to Work Allowance or the Seed Capital Scheme.
Support will be in the form of loans for up to €25,000, available to start-up, newly established, or growing microenterprises, with viable business propositions, that do not meet the conventional risk criteria applied by banks. The potential viability of the business proposal will be the dominant factor in all credit decisions. The €10m allocation, supplemented by €15m borrowing from other sources will generate €40m in additional lending for microenterprises. It will help the establishment and growth of microenterprises and create over 3800 jobs at a cost per job of approximately €3k per job over the 5 year horizon.
The second initiative being pursued by my Department is the Temporary Partial Loan Guarantee Scheme. This is being introduced for SMEs who, because of lack of collateral or because of the sector they operate in, face difficulties in accessing traditional bank credit. Commercially viable, well performing micro, small and medium enterprises that have a solid business plan and a defined market for their products or services, and demonstrating their ability to repay the loan is the target of this scheme. The minimum permissible loan value will be €10,000 and the maximum will be €1,000,000. The Guarantee Scheme will facilitate up to €150 million of additional lending per annum for SMEs. The benefits forecast to arise from this intervention in each year of operation, assuming €150 million of additional lending, include: over 1,000 jobs created and over €25m of exchequer benefits in tax revenues and welfare cost savings.
In addition to these initiatives the Innovation Fund Ireland (IFI) and Development Capital Schemes are helping Irish companies access credit in the current difficult environment. IFI is a key pillar of support for dynamic new industries, and investments. The Fund facilitates job creation in innovative export focused sectors as well as providing a return to the exchequer over time. €250 million was made available to the Fund to make commitments.
Under the Scheme, Enterprise Ireland requires Venture Capital fund managers to establish an office in Ireland and to invest the equivalent of the Enterprise Ireland commitment in Irish companies or companies with significant operations in Ireland. Aside from these conditions, Enterprise Ireland invests on the same terms as the private sector sharing the risk and the rewards. A second call for proposals was issued earlier this year following the announcement of the first investment under the first call for expressions of interest. Application under this are currently being evaluated and decision are expected shortly. The Development Capital Scheme has been developed to complement the existing suite of financial supports offered by Enterprise Ireland (EI) to business.
Longer-term investment capital is currently not readily available to Irish growth focused companies in either the form of debt or equity, and there is very limited private equity funds/debt available to innovative SMEs. This situation has resulted in an equity gap, which is constraining the development of a key cohort of established Irish growth companies.
The exchequer funding requirement for this scheme is €50m over 10 years. It is proposed that EI will commit €25m each to two funds which will leverage a further €50m each from the private sector. Fund investments supported by EI under this scheme will be made with the State sharing equally in the risks alongside investors. The proposed scheme will focus on funds that provide equity or quasi debt of between €2m to €10m per investment although it is likely that many investments would be in the €2m to €5m range. The Scheme was launched on the 12 April 2012 and a call was issued by Enterprise Ireland for ‘expressions of interest’, from fund managers, with a closing date of 16 July 2012, for receipt of expressions. The Scheme is currently under review.
580. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
his policy on joint labour committees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37420/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
The Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act 2012 was enacted on 24 July 2012 and commenced on 1 August 2012. The main purpose of the Act is to implement the commitment in the Programme for Government to reform the Joint Labour Committee system. The Act provides for a radical overhaul of the system so as to make it fairer and more responsive to changing economic circumstances and labour market conditions. It reinstates a robust system of protection for low paid and vulnerable workers in these sectors in the aftermath of the 2011 High Court ruling in the John Grace Fried Chicken case.
581. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
his policy on collective bargaining rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37421/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
It has been the consistent policy of successive Irish Governments to promote collective bargaining through the laws of this country and through the development of an institutional framework supportive of a voluntary system of industrial relations that is premised upon freedom of contract and freedom of association. There is also an extensive range of statutory provisions designed to back up the voluntary bargaining process, together with long-established dispute settling institutions that play an important role in disputes relating to collective bargaining.
582. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
his policy on the minimum wage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37422/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
The current Programme for Government contained a commitment to reverse the €1 per hour reduction in the National Minimum Wage introduced by the previous Government on 1 February 2011. Agreement was reached with the Troika on the reversal. The increase was provided for in the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2011 and effected by the National Minimum Wage Act 2000 (Section 11) (No. 2) Order 2011 from July 1 2011. The restoration of the National Minimum Wage to €8.65 per hour represents a significant commitment by the Government to protect the lowest paid and most vulnerable workers. There are no plans for further adjustments to the National Minimum Wage.
583. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
his policy on reducing red tape for businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37426/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
My Department and its Offices and Agencies continue to focus on reducing administrative burdens on business, with a reduction of 24.5% already having been achieved; this amounts to potential annual savings for business of over €206 million. Details of all the initiatives making up this total are available on my Department’s website www.djei.ie
Successful initiatives resulting in significant savings include:
584. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
his policy on tackling labour market costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37430/12]
585. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
his policy on increasing labour market flexibilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37431/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 584 and 585 together.
Employment policies that promote labour market flexibility together with tax and benefit systems that reward work and provide a pathway to employment, education and training opportunities for those who have lost their jobs are a necessary prerequisite for progress. The measures in the Government’s Action Plan on Jobs together with those to support the unemployed to return to the workforce in Pathways to Work are consistent with the approach in the European Union’s guidelines for national employment policies to help to create conditions favourable to job creation through enhancing, at the same time, flexibility and security in the labour market.
The Employment Performance Monitor 2012 endorsed by the EU Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO) in June 2012 identified the continuing rate of decline in nominal and real unit labour costs as particularly positive outcomes of Ireland’s recent labour market performance. The decline in unit labour costs means that productivity has increased faster than earnings – thus indicating an improvement in competitiveness. While the rate of growth in Irish unit labour costs significantly exceeded the OECD and euro area averages between 2005 and 2008, unit labour costs in Ireland have been falling consistently since then. Unit labour costs are improving faster in the internationally trading manufacturing sector than in more closed sectors of the economy. In its recent European Economic Forecast for Spring 2012, the European Commission noted an improved performance in Ireland’s export sector and also growth in Ireland’s indigenous firms due to competitiveness improvements and the continuing fall in unit labour costs on the back of productivity improvements and wage moderation. Irish labour wage rates – when adjusted for productivity – are becoming more cost competitive.
The enactment of the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act 2012 allows for a reduction in the number of Employment Regulations Orders (EROs) and in the number of minimum wage rates that can be set in each ERO, and excludes conditions of employment covered in other legislation such as Sunday premium rates. The overall effect of reforms in the legal framework for the Employment Regulation Orders and Registered Employment Agreements will be to make minimum wage setting mechanisms more responsive to changing economic circumstances and to enhance competitiveness and preserve jobs in the affected sectors.
Ireland’s labour market flexibilities are acknowledged as a valuable accompaniment of our open economy, high level of human capital and business friendly environment. The quality of Ireland’s labour market ranks highly in international comparisons. In the 2012 IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook, Ireland is ranked first in terms of availability of skilled labour and first for the flexibility and adaptability of people.
The Action Plan for Jobs identifies the scope for reducing the cost of business and easing new recruitment through a series of initiatives, including:
High unemployment remains a difficult challenge and requires resolute action through the transformation of labour market activation policies along the lines outlined in the Government’s policy statement Pathways to Work.o Simplifying and extending the Employer Job (PRSI) Incentive Scheme, which exempts employers from liability to pay their share of PRSI for certain employees. The scheme has been extended to cover the first 18 months of employment
o The National Internship Scheme provides internship opportunities of 6 or 9 months for unemployed individuals in organizations in the private, public and community & voluntary sectors.
o The Revenue Job Assist Scheme provides incentives to employers through a double deduction and for employees through additional tax allowances for those unemployed for at least 12 months.
o The incentive scheme to encourage foreign mobile talent (SARP) will allow multinationals and indigenous companies to attract people to create more jobs and facilitate business expansion in Ireland.
586. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
his policy on tackling competitiveness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37432/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
Competitiveness is determined by a variety of factors, including the cost of doing business, productivity levels, the availability of skilled labour, good infrastructure, the quality and intensity of innovation and research, and regulation that supports enterprise growth. Ireland has regained some of the competitiveness it had lost and this is reflected in the fact that Ireland’s rating improved four places from 24th to 20th in the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook for 2012. Earlier this month, the World Economic Forum also reported that Ireland has improved its competitiveness ranking, from 29th to 27th place in that organisation’s Global Competitiveness Index.
Despite these encouraging trends, we must ensure that the improvements we have achieved in our competitiveness are structural in nature and sustained in the longer-term. The Government’s Action Plan for Jobs includes a range of initiatives to improve our competitiveness, including measures to: · promote investment in innovation and research,
Details of the specific measures to be taken in each of these areas are available in the Action Plan for Jobs which is available on my Department’s website, www.djei.ie. I am also commencing drafting of the 2013 Action Plan for Jobs which will have a strong focus on continuing to improve Ireland’s competitiveness.
· reduce costs for businesses,
· align skills with enterprise needs,
· prioritise infrastructural investment, and
· reduce costs through sensible regulation.
Question No. 587 answered with Question No. 570.
588. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
his policy on a code of practice for the grocery goods sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37435/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
The Programme for Government contains a specific commitment to enact legislation to regulate certain practices in the grocery goods sector. I intend to give effect to this commitment by including an enabling provision in the legislation currently being prepared by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to merge the National Consumer Agency and the Competition Authority, which will allow for the introduction of a statutory Code of Practice in the grocery goods sector. It is hoped to publish this legislation before the end of the year.
589. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
if he will detail in tabular form, the total cost of providing entertainment for his Department since coming to office inclusive of costs incurred from use of the Ministerial allowance; the occasions for which entertainment was provided; the entertainers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion; if there is a policy regarding the booking of entertainers within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37448/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
The total amount spent on providing entertainment by my Department since taking up office in March 2011 is €18,749.98. There have been no payments in respect of ministerial allowance by my Department in the period.
Expenditure on official entertainment in my Department is normally confined to business lunches and dinners, for example where it is appropriate and necessary to host senior-level foreign officials. The number of civil servants attending official functions should be kept to a minimum. With the exception of Ministerial functions, entertainment is subject to the prior approval of an Assistant Secretary.
Details of the expenditure on entertainment are provided in the table below.
| Occasion | Attendees | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evening Reception at Langton House Hotel, Kilkenny. | The Patent Office hosted the EPO Patent Conference 2011 in Kilkenny from 18 – 20 October 2011. As part of this event a reception was held at Langton House Hotel to demonstrate local cuisine and traditional Irish entertainment. | 300 delegates. | €18,749.98 |
590. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
the amount spent on food and drink by his Department; if he will provide a breakdown of what this involved; the occasions on which food and drink was provided; those present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37464/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
The total amount spent on food and drink by my Department since 9 March 2011 is €23,037.65. Details are provided in the table below:
| Occasion | Attendees | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch in Houses of Oireachtas | Official lunch for Small Business Advisory Group hosted by Minister Perry | Minister Perry & 9 others | €215.30 |
| Dinner in Deane's Deli, Belfast | Working dinner to discuss Employment Rights & Corporate Service matters with Northern Ireland Office officials | 2 Dept. & 2 Northern Ireland Office officials | €99.33 |
| Lunch in National Concert Hall, Dublin | Working lunch to discuss Employment Rights matters with Northern Ireland Office officials | 2 Dept. & 2 Northern Ireland Office officials | €93.05 |
| Catering provided by Gerard's Café & Deli for in-house meeting | Working lunch to discuss Temporary Agency Work Directive with officials from Northern Ireland's Department of Employment and Learning who travelled to Dublin to attend meeting. | Dept. & Northern Ireland Office officials | €66.00 |
| Catering provided by Gerard's Café & Deli for in-house meeting | Refreshments for bilateral meeting with Ministry of Business, Innovation and Skills officials from UK. | Dept. & UK officials | €87.60 |
| Lunch in One Pico Restaurant | EU Competitiveness Meeting held in Dublin - Official lunch hosted by EU Section of Dept. | 2 Dept. & 15 EU officials | €697.50 |
| Lunch in Hugo's Wine Bar, Dublin | Lunch with EU Commission enterprise officials. | 3 Dept. & 2 Commission officials | €113.20 |
| Dinner in Stephen's Green Hibernian Club | Bilateral meeting with Swedish Trade Policy Committee. | 2 officials | €83.70 |
| Dinner in Stanhope Hotel, Brussels | Full Member States of Trade Policy Committee. Each Member State hosts a working dinner approx. every 12-15 months. | Member States of Trade Policy Committee. | €770.00 |
| Lunch in New Millennium Restaurant, Dublin. | Lunch meeting with Commercial Section of Chinese Embassy on occasion of changeover of head of Section. | 7 officials | €100.50 |
| Dinner in Town Bar & Grill, Dublin. | Dinner with Social Finance Foundation Executives and Chairperson relating to work carried out (free of charge) on cofinance Proposal. | 3 Dept. and 3 SFF officials | €316.74 |
| Catering provided by Zagora Catering, Armagh. | Lunch for delegates attending the North South Ministerial Council Sectorial meeting in Armagh on 25 July, hosted by n Richard Bruton. | 20 officials | €255.01 |
| Dinner in The Marble City Bar, Kilkenny. | Working dinner with European Patent Office delegation re planning for the EPO Patent Information Conference held in Kilkenny Oct 11. | 5 officials | €140.80 |
| Dinner in One Pico Restaurant, Dublin. | Working dinner with senior Dutch officials on the Irish Presidency preparations and relevant dossiers at the Competitiveness Council. | 2 Dept. and 3 Dutch officials | €309.90 |
| Catering provided by Gerard's Café & Deli. | Lunch for 40 persons attending talks and presentations given as part of EU Commission visit to Dublin in the context of Revenue Customs - Market Surveillance Authorities Cooperation. Revenue Customs provided venue, teas, coffees & biscuits, this Dept. undertook to provide lunch. | 40 officials | €348.00 |
| Catering provided by O'Brien's Sandwich Bar | Supply of refreshments, food and drink for the Junior Inventor prize giving ceremony. | Approx. 125 | €591.04 |
| Evening Reception at Langton House Hotel, Kilkenny. | Evening to entertain delegates of EPO Patent Information Conference 2011 to demonstrate local cuisine and traditional Irish entertainment. | 300 delegates. | €18,749.98 |
591. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
the amount spent on hair and make-up by his Department since he came to office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37480/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
My Department did not spend any money on hair and make-up since my coming to Office in March 2011.
592. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
the number and names of all special advisers, special press advisers, or any other type of Ministerial adviser in his Department; the name of the Minister / Minister of State to whom he reports; the salary of each advisor now; the salary of each advisor at the time they were appointed; if any salary increase was asked for; if this was granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37496/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
The following table outlines the names and salary details of the two Special Advisors appointed by me as Minister for Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation. There are no further Ministerial advisers appointed in my Department.
Position | Name | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Special Adviser | Mr. Ciaran Conlon | €127,000 |
| Press Adviser | Mr. Conor Quinn | €83,337 |
593. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
if he will provide detail in tabular form, the names of all external public relations and consultancy persons and organisations used by his Department for the years 2011 and 2010; the amount paid to each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37512/12]
596. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
if he will detail in tabular form, the amount paid to consultants since February 2011; the name of each organisation used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37561/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 593 and 596 together.
Tables 1, 2 and 3 provide details of the costs associated with the external public relations and consultancy persons and organisations used by my Department, and the names of the individuals / firms involved, in the period specified by the Deputy. Just one of the companies listed, Barberry Limited, relates to PR and communications consultancies.
Table 1: DJEI External PR & Consultancy Payments – Jan-Aug 2012 | |
|---|---|
| Name of Company/Payee | Cost (€) |
| Deloitte & Touche | €86,100 |
| Ward Solutions (ICT Consultancy) | €16,590 |
| SIRA Consulting BV* | €34,000 |
| Version 1 | €147 |
| Ward Solutions | €14,111 |
| Kilroys Solicitors | € 2,499 |
| AD Little | €30,000 |
| SIRA Consulting BV* | €32,000 |
| Paul O'Higgins | €1,230 |
| Philip Rahn | €6,365 |
| Shelley Horan | €566 |
| Capita Asset Services (Ireland) Limited | €159,535 |
| The Access Expert | €1,148 |
| Brendan Moran | €1,845 |
| Barberry Ltd, (trading as Keating & Associates) | €4,161 |
| A & L Goodbody | €69,047 |
Table 2: DJEI External PR & Consultancy Payments 2011 | |
|---|---|
| Name of Company/Payee | Cost (€) |
| IKEN Software | €4,532 |
| Four Point Software Development | €26,069 |
| UCD (Dr Frank Walsh) | €15,000 |
| Mason, Hayes and Curran | €7,000 |
| Capital for Enterprise Limited | €72,074 |
| Capital Assets Services Limited | €103,763 |
| Kilroys Solicitors | €9,231 |
| Rits (ICT Consultancy) | €15,452 |
| IBM (ICT Services) | €10,239 |
| Maxima Ireland (ICT Consultancy) | €8,276 |
| DNM Technology | €7,623 |
| Reidy Brophy Limited | €3,570 |
| The Access Expert | €5,770 |
| Sia Management Group | €15,089 |
| John Travers | €36,905 |
| Fitzpatrick Associates- Economic Consultants | €15,730 |
| Connolly Lowe | €8,963 |
| Remy Farrell | €545 |
| Una Ní Raifeartaigh | €1,210 |
| Una Ní Raifeartaigh | €4,840 |
| Karole Cuddihy | €968 |
| Una Ní Raifeartaigh | €454 |
| Barberry Ltd (trading as Keating & Associates) | €18,770 |
| Greater Heights Ltd | €15,645 |
| Mairéad Carey | €7,889 |
Table 3: DJEI External PR & Consultancy Payments 2010 | |
|---|---|
| Name of Company/Payee | Cost (€) |
| John Travers | €24,805 |
| SIRA Consulting BV | €9,950 |
| SIRA Consulting BV | €8,531 |
| Capgemini Consulting | €4,963 |
| Jacobs and Associates | €3,300 |
| Connolly Lowe | €12,778 |
| Caroline Costello | €424 |
| Paul Anthony McDermott | €3,933 |
| Brian Murray | €5,288 |
| Paul O'Higgins | €3,933 |
| Nessa Cahill | €1,892 |
| Tom Mallon | €557 |
| Brian Murray | €4,564 |
| Cyril O' Neill | €2,056 |
| Remy Farrell | €424 |
| Remy Farrell | €333 |
| Paul Anthony McDermott | €1,210 |
| Paul O'Higgins | €1,210 |
| Catherine Donnelly | €4,235 |
| Remy Farrell | €3,237 |
| Horwath Bastow Charleton | €1,252 |
| Nessa Cahill | €3,896 |
| Eoghan O’Briain | €8,785 |
| Barberry Ltd, (trading as Keating & Associates) | €29,011 |
| Brendan Moran | €3,085 |
| LHM Casey McGrath | €55,575 |
| Kilroys Solicitors | €7,213 |
| Rits | €4,847 |
| Version 1 | €9,518 |
| Bearing Point | €9,680 |
594. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
the gross annual salary costs for his private and constituency offices at present; the same figures for this time last year; and the same figures for any Ministers of State in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37529/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
The following tables outline the gross annual salary costs for my private and constituency offices at present; the same figures for this time last year; and the same figures for all Ministers of State in my Department. Table 1 outlines the gross annual salary costs for my private and constituency office at 7 September 2011 and 7 September 2012. Tables 2 and 3 outline the annual salary costs for each Minister of State’s Office in my Department, for the same dates. These figures relate to gross annual salary costs only and do not include any overtime that may have been payable.
Table 1.
| Office | Gross Annual Salary Costs 7th September, 2011 | Gross Annual Salary Costs 7th September, 2012 |
|---|---|---|
| Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation | Private Office €602,583.86 Constituency Office €136,390.62 | Private Office €565,589.06 Constituency Office €139,769.22 |
| Office | Gross Annual Salary Costs 7th September, 2011 | Gross Annual Salary Costs 7th September, 2012 |
|---|---|---|
| Minister of State for Research & Innovation | Private Office €216,331.11 Constituency Office €141,477.40 | Private Office €216,528.06 Constituency Office €118,031.75 |
| Office | Gross Annual Salary Costs 7th September, 2011 | Gross Annual Salary Costs 7th September, 2012 |
|---|---|---|
| Minister of State for Small Business | Private Office €230,744.01 Constituency Office €102,147.42 | Private Office €229,456.64 Constituency Office €145,022.43 |
595. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
if he will detail in tabular form, the amount paid on external public relations and communications consultants since February 2011; the reason for the payment; the name of each organisation used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37545/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
The total spend of my Department and the Offices of my Department on External Public Relations and Communications Consultants; the reasons for the payment and the name of each organisation used since February 2011 to date is as follows:
Year | Name of Consultant/Organisation | Purpose | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
2011 | Barberry Limited; trading as Keating & Associates | To provide NERA with Communication Services; including PR; media monitoring; advising on the design; content and production of reports & brochures and assisting with website content. | €18,770 |
YTD 2012 | Barberry Limited; trading as Keating & Associates | To provide NERA with Communication Services; including PR; media monitoring; advising on the design; content and production of reports & brochures and assisting with website content. | €4,161 |
Question No. 596 answered with Question No. 593.
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
Section 5.4 of the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour excludes staff holding temporary unestablished positions and whose tenure is coterminous with that of the relevant Minister from the restrictions on engaging in political activity as set out in section 5 of the Code.
598. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
the amount spent by his Department on drivers and Ministerial transport since February 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37593/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
The following table sets out the amounts spent by my Department in respect of both the salaries and expenses of the six civilian drivers employed at my Department and the mileage expenses incurred by me as Minister and by the Ministers of State of my Department since taking office:Office of Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Drivers Salary Costs incl. Employer PRSI Drivers Subsistence Ministerial mileage expenses Total
| Office of Minister for Small Business | Payments to 31st August 2012 |
|---|---|
| Drivers Salary Costs incl. Employer PRSI | 107,929.90 |
| Drivers Subsistence | 25,476.00 |
| Ministerial Mileage expenses | 43,683.45 |
| Total | 177,089.35 |
| Office of Minister for Research and Innovation | Payments to 31st August 2012 |
|---|---|
| Drivers Salary Costs incl. Employer PRSI | 105,853.08 |
| Drivers Subsistence | 17,550.24 |
| Ministerial mileage expenses | 29,608.22 |
| Total | 153,011.54 |
599. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
the total amount spent since February 2011 on external reports commissioned by his Department, including payments from Ministerial allowances, details of the consultants employed and costs of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37625/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
Details of the expenditure associated with the external reports commissioned by my Department since January 2011, and of the consultants engaged, are set out in the tables below. Details for 2009 to Sep 2010 are included for comparative purposes.
Jan – August 2012
| Name of Company/Payee | Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Deloitte & Touche | €30,900 |
| Version 1 | €147 |
| Deloitte & Touche | €41,200 |
| Ward Solutions | €14,111 |
| Achilles Procurement Services Ltd | €2,706 |
| Name of Company/Payee | Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| John Travers | €36,905 |
| Capital for Enterprise Ltd. | €59,565 |
| Fitzpatrick Associates Economic Consultants | €15,730 |
| UCD (Dr Frank Walsh) | €15,000 |
| Greater Heights Ltd | €15,645 |
| Rits | €7,093 |
| Maxima Ireland | €8,276 |
| Name of Company/Payee | Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Vision 1 Consulting Ltd | €9,317 |
| University of Limerick/NERA | Nil (Work carried out as part of a Masters programme by a NERA staff member with University of Limerick.) |
| University of Limerick/NERA | Nil (Work carried out as part of a Masters programme by a NERA staff member with University of Limerick.) |
| Forfás | €12,046 |
| Fidelma White, Law Department, UCC | €14,000 |
| Finbar Flood | €20,000 (Total cost, including a payment in 2009, was €40,000) |
| LHM Casey McGrath | €50,735 |
| Name of Company/Payee | Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Peter Cassells | €20,000 (Total Cost, including a payment in 2010, was €40,000) |
| Version 1 | €7,560 |
| Version 1 | €10,328 |
| Forfás | €8,581 |
| KPMG | €209,564 (Paid for by Forfás.) |
| Competition Authority | Cost borne by the Competition Authority |
| Contractauditline (CAL) | €9,800 |
600. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
if he will provide an update on grants or further assistance that is available to small businesses on the northside of Dublin. [37729/12]
608. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
if he will provide an update on jobs proposals for an area (details supplied) in County Dublin. [38050/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 600 and 608 together.
When we launched the Action Plan for Jobs in February, we stated very clearly that there was no ‘big bang’ solution to the jobs crisis, and that what was needed was a determined, step-by-step implementation of our Plan to rebuild the economy and create jobs. We are making solid progress and have already put in place a number of measures which will make a practical difference in making it easier for businesses to grow and create jobs.
The Action Plan for Jobs addresses many of the concerns of small business through specific national initiatives which will benefit small businesses across the country, including those areas of particular interest to the Deputy. In particular, two pro-jobs finance measures targeting companies of different sizes will go “live” by the end of this month, as follows:· The €90m Micro Finance Loan Scheme targeting micro-enterprises and
The Micro Finance Loan Scheme will initially facilitate €40m in additional lending to businesses employing not more than 10 people over the next five years, with provision for the scheme to be extended to provide an additional €50m of lending over a further five years at that point. Start-ups, sole traders and existing micro-enterprises will be eligible to apply for a loan under the Scheme.
· The €450m Credit Guarantee Scheme, targeting SMEs
The Credit Guarantee Scheme will facilitate €150m per annum in additional lending for SMEs who, because of a lack of collateral or because of the sector they operate in, face difficulties in accessing traditional bank credit.
The Agencies under my Department are also rolling out their plans of support for businesses on the North side. Enterprise Ireland is actively promoting entrepreneurship in Dublin and provides a range of enterprise programmes and other initiatives to approximately 500 companies on the North side to ensure that emerging technologies and business ideas with export potential are supported to become a commercial reality.
There are currently 1,290 Enterprise Ireland client companies in Dublin City and Fingal County, employing over 27,000 people in full-time employment and almost 5,600 people in contract or part-time jobs. In 2011, Enterprise Ireland paid out €21.5m in funding to client companies in Dublin City and €4.6m to companies in Fingal. To date in 2012, the agency has paid out almost €11m to companies in the areas covered by Dublin City and Fingal.
In February this year, Enterprise Ireland launched a new Community Enterprise Centre (CEC) Programme for the maintenance or establishment of a strong business development function in Community Enterprise Centres funded by the agency. Since the foundation of the first CEC Programme in 1989, Enterprise Ireland has paid out more than €2.4m in funding to six Community Enterprise Centres on the North side of Dublin, two of which are based in Coolock and Darndale.
'New Frontiers’ , Ireland’s largest entrepreneur development programme, was also launched in February 2012. New Frontiers is funded and coordinated by Enterprise Ireland and provides €4.25m in funding to enable the Institutes of Technology to deliver the programme at a local level. The core element of New Frontiers is a six-month intensive programme which will focus on developing the person’s entrepreneurial abilities, equipping them with the skills they need to run, and crucially develop, sustainable businesses. On Dublin’s North side, DCU is involved in delivering the programme, in conjunction with Dundalk Institute of Technology.
On 7th July 2012, I announced the establishment by Enterprise Ireland of a €250,000 Competitive Feasibility Fund. The Fund is open for applications until 4th September 2012, and is part of a drive to boost the number of innovative, export-oriented businesses being set-up and led by female entrepreneurs.
Dublin City Enterprise Board and Fingal County Enterprise Board support enterprise development and job creation throughout the North side of Dublin, through the provision of both direct and indirect assistance for small business. Hundreds of companies will benefit from start-up grants, mentoring and management development training.
IDA Ireland, in accordance with its strategy of securing high-quality foreign direct investment (FDI) for Ireland, continues to promote Dublin and its surrounding areas as a Metro Region, that is, a region with a population in excess of one million inhabitants that has a critical mass in terms of skills, infrastructure, companies, business services etc. This strategy has been very successful as Dublin is recognised as one of Europe’s leading business locations and is home to many of the world’s leading companies such as Google, eBay, PayPal, Pfizer, and IBM, amongst others. There are 492 IDA Ireland client companies in Dublin employing almost 52,000 people in permanent full time employment and more than 5,075 people in other positions.
601. Deputy Nicky McFadden
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
if persons (details supplied) in County Westmeath will have valid work permits approved so that they can return to their jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37733/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
Officials in my Department have advised me that the persons named by the Deputy were not in possession of a current employment permit at the time of their employment as set out in this instance. I should point out that under the terms of the 2003 and 2006 Employment Permit Acts non EEA nationals in full time employment are obliged to hold a current employment permit as well as other relevant permission from the Department of Justice and Equality to work in the State.
602. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
if he will supply a list of all Labour Court recommendations that have been issued in respect of his Department and organisations under his aegis that have not been complied with in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37756/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
On 19th July 2012, the Labour Court issued a Recommendation in relation to sick leave provisions that apply in Government Departments and Offices. I understand that the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, as the coordinating Department for matters such as these, will shortly issue a circular to my Department and others in which revised sick leave provisions, in compliance with the Recommendation, will be clarified. It would be my Department’s intention to ensure that the provisions of this circular are communicated to all agencies under its aegis. I am not aware of any other Labour Court recommendations in relation to my Department that fall to be implemented but if the Deputy has any specific instance in mind, I would be happy to follow up on the matter.
603. Deputy Brendan Ryan
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
further to Parliamentary Question No 275 of 19 June 2012 if he will confirm his plans to carry out an independent inquiry as recommended by the ILO Committee on Freedom of Association; if such an inquiry will be open and transparent and if he will make a priority of this matter [37814/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
In 2010, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (and IMPACT acting on behalf of their airline pilot members in Ryanair) submitted a complaint to the Committee on Freedom of Association of the International Labour Organisation that Ireland was not, in several respects, in conformity with the provisions of ILO Convention No. 98 - Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949.
In its findings, the ILO Committee did not uphold any of these complaints but raised a number of concerns, reflected in three recommendations, as follows:
I welcome the fact that the ILO report did not find Ireland to be in breach of its obligations under ILO Conventions in respect of collective bargaining rights. Neither did the ILO find that a resolution of the difficulties arising over the Ryanair judgement would require the introduction of a legal regime of mandatory trade union recognition. a)As the information available to the ILO Committee is insufficient to determine whether the alleged offer by Ryanair of conditional benefits to employees provided that the company would not be required to enter into a collective bargaining relationship with the union, the Committee requests the Government to ensure that the protection available against anti-union discrimination would adequately cover such acts, including through a thorough review of the protective measures with the social partners concerned.
b)The Committee requests the Government to carry out an independent inquiry without delay into the alleged acts of employer interference in order to establish the facts of this specific case and, if necessary, to take the necessary measures to ensure full respects of the principles of freedom of association.
c)Noting the commitment on collective bargaining in the Programme for Government, the Committee invites the Government, in full consultation with the social partners, to review the existing framework and consider any appropriate measures, including legislative, so as to ensure respect for the freedom of association and collective bargaining principles set out in its conclusions, including through the review of the mechanisms available with a view to promoting machinery for voluntary negotiation between employers’ and workers’ organisations for the determination of terms and conditions of employment.
Accordingly, recommendations (a) and (c) have been accepted and will be addressed in the context of the commitment in the Programme for Government to reform the current law on employees’ right to engage in collective bargaining (the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act 2001), so as to ensure compliance by the State with recent judgements of the European Court of Human Rights.
As regards the Committee’s recommendation for an independent enquiry, the Ryanair case has been litigated to a conclusion. In light of the judgment of the Supreme Court, it was open to the parties to resume the hearing before the Labour Court or, indeed, to make fresh complaints to the Labour Court. However, it would be constitutionally inappropriate for the Government to reopen matters by seeking to establish facts that were not established before the courts and a fortiori to take measures that the courts did not take.
In addition, the power of the Government to undertake an inquiry is contained in section 38(2) of the Industrial Relations Act 1990, which allows the relevant Minister to request the Labour Relations Commission or the Labour Court or another person or body to conduct an inquiry where the Minister is of the opinion that a particular trade dispute is a dispute of special importance. However, in this case, the Supreme Court has determined that it had not been established that there was a trade dispute. This precludes the Minister from requesting an inquiry under section 38(2) of the 1990 Act. Accordingly, this recommendation has not been accepted. I have advised the International Labour Organisation of our position on the recommendations.
604. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
the current position regarding the merger of the National Consumer Agency and the Competition Authority into the new National Consumer Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37820/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
The draft heads of the Consumer and Competition Bill which provides, inter alia , for the merger of the National Consumer Agency and the Competition Authority were approved by Government in July 2011. The heads are currently with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel for drafting and I expect to publish the Bill later this year.
605. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
the position regarding recruiting persons with a disability; the number of persons currently employed in his Department; the number of persons with a disability that have been employed since 1 January 2011 to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37840/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
My Department as a public service employer has a legal obligation under the Disability Act 2005 to report each year on the number and percentage of employees with disabilities. In order to build an accurate record of the number of staff with disabilities, in accordance with the legal definition in the 2005 Act, every employee, whether or not they have any impairment or disability, is asked to complete a census form and return it, in confidence, to the nominated person. While public bodies have a statutory obligation to report, there is no obligation on employees to disclose if they have a disability.
606. Deputy Paudie Coffey
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
the number of businesses in County Waterford to have requested assistance from the new Potential Exporters Division in Enterprise Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38003/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
As part of the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs 2012, Enterprise Ireland’s new Potential Exporters Division provides a wide range of initiatives focussed on helping companies export more. The ‘Get Export Ready’ programme includes practical measures for early exporters focusing on export readiness, the importance of research, developing a value proposition and the skills of export selling. It supports and helps to prepare companies interested in targeting international markets to confront the challenges that any company faces as it prepares to export. Approximately 80 companies from Co. Waterford have sought assistance from the Potential Exporters Division since the beginning of March 2012, when the Division was established. These include calls to the help desk, attendees at Export Awareness Events and participants at the Exploring Exporting Workshops.
607. Deputy Paudie Coffey
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
the number of businesses in County Waterford who have applied for and who have been awarded a competitive start fund worth €50,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38004/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
A key focus of Enterprise Ireland’s strategy is the commitment to increase the number of new High Potential Start-up companies approved annually from 73 in 2009 to 100 in 2013. To contribute to achieving this objective, Enterprise Ireland launched a new competitive programme called the “Competitive Start Fund” in December 2010. The purpose of the Competitive Start Fund is to accelerate the growth of start-up companies that have the capability to succeed in global markets. The Competitive Start Fund provides support of up to €50,000 in equity matched by €5,000 of promoters equity to companies to test and prove product/market fit at an earlier stage of development.
Question No. 608 was answered with Question No. 600.
609. Deputy Joanna Tuffy
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
following the enactment of the Protection of Employees (Temporary Agency Workers) Bill, the steps being taken by him to ensure that employers and or recruitment agencies have made or will make backdated payments to their staff; if the staff will be retrospectively paid to 5 December 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38067/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
The Protection of Employees (Temporary Agency Work) Act was enacted on 16th May, 2012. I notified employers in a national information notice in December, 2011 in relation to the retrospective provision in the Act. Officials in my Department have met with various stakeholders whose members would be affected by the legislation to consult with and inform them about the legislation.
610. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding company closures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38261/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
Company closures, no matter when or how they occur, are always matters of concern to Government and the statistics raised by the Deputy are a matter of real concern.
Vision Net notes that, “8,184 companies were registered in Ireland in the first seven months of 2012. However, company closures are up 6% on this figure (8,664) essentially meaning a contraction in the number of companies operating in our economy”.
These figures represent the whole economy and are challenges which this Government is facing up to on a daily basis. It is an unfortunate reality that companies for a wide range of reasons find themselves in difficulty and early intervention is critically important. For this reason, the Enterprise Development agencies operate an early warning system, which has been in place for over ten years. When triggered, this mechanism brings the full capacity of the agency concerned to bear on whatever situation has arisen within the client company.
For example, when Enterprise Ireland is made aware of jobs at risk, it engages closely with those client companies reporting difficulties or potential job loses to determine what appropriate proactive measures can be put in place by the agency to prevent or minimise the job losses.
When IDA Ireland becomes aware of a company's intention to either downsize or cease operating in Ireland, it works with the client company to safeguard and minimise the number of job losses through offering to help the companies to improve competitiveness; enhance their use of technology; grow the skills of their employees; engage in research, development and innovation or develop their business processes.
Similarly, as soon as Shannon Development becomes aware of jobs at risk, it proactively engages with companies to offer whatever supports are available to minimise the impact as regards job losses. There are many differing and complex factors that can influence a firm's decision to relocate in today’s modern globalised economic environment. Companies change location to address matters such as accessing new markets, moving production nearer to customers, meeting firm or market specific customer relationship issues, in addition to business takeovers and consolidations. Recent jobs losses which have occurred in the FDI sector in Ireland are largely the result of the continuing restructuring process that is on-going in Ireland and other developed economies, driven by competitive pressures and technological change. This can result in jobs at the lower end of the value added scale being either phased out completely or relocated to lower cost locations.
The early warning system is kept under review so as to ensure that it is fit for purpose.
611. Deputy Anne Ferris
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
the steps he is taking to address the lacuna in the Employment Permits Act 2003 which has left undocumented workers vulnerable to exploitation as highlighted in a recent High Court judgement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38353/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
The issue raised by the High Court judgement is one which has important policy and legal implications in the area of Employment Permits and also in terms of Employment Rights.
As Justice Hogan noted in his judgement, “the Oireachtas must, of course, regulate the labour market by specifically deterring illegal immigrants from taking up employment, as failure to do so could have serious medium term implications for both employment and immigration policy”. The relevant provisions of the Employment Permits Acts of 2003 and 2006 hold that where an employee, who was required to hold an Employment Permit, has failed to do so then he or she is guilty of an offence. Furthermore, while an employer may also be guilty of an offence in this matter, Justice Hogan points out that the legislation provides for a defence with regard to an employer but fails to do so with regard to an employee.
As I understand it, this lack of defence affects the Courts’ scope to interpret the statutory provisions and compels the Court to hold that the legislation has created an absolute offence so far as an employee is concerned. Importantly, Justice Hogan found that it must therefore be taken that the Oireachtas intended that such a non-national employee automatically commits an offence if he or she does not have a work permit irrespective of the reasons for that failure and that this has implications so far as the civil law is concerned, in that such a contract of employment must also be taken to be void.
The question that arises for policy makers is to what extent such non-nationals should be dissuaded from working illegally in Ireland by virtue of there being a statutory offence to do so, versus, to what extent should certain employment rights protect vulnerable migrants which find themselves unwittingly in such employment positions.
The Deputy will recognise that this question requires careful consideration as the applicability of rights in one context can have far reaching consequences beyond that originally intended.
I wish to assure the Deputy that my Department is treating the matter with the utmost importance and that I would expect deliberations on the matter to be concluded within a matter of months.
612. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
if he will provide an update on any new employment incentives to draw new companies into areas of disadvantage on the northside of Dublin. [38444/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
The Government is tackling unemployment generally through the twin strategies of the Action Plan for Jobs and Pathways to Work. The aim of the Action Pan for Jobs is to support the creation of 100,000 net new jobs by 2016, while the objective of Pathways to Work is to provide those who are unemployed with the appropriate training and skills to avail of the job opportunities which will arise as the economy recovers. Many young people will benefit from the opportunities provided through these programmes. The 2012 Action Plan for Jobs contains over 270 measures to be delivered across all 15 Government Departments and 36 State agencies. My Department and its agencies play a central role in the delivery of approximately 60% of those measures, and have a supporting role in many other actions.
613. Deputy Peter Mathews
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
if any funding is available to a person (details supplied) who has set up a company to promote heritage sites, national monuments and architectural wonders here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38449/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
State assistance for microenterprises in Ireland is currently delivered by the County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) network.
614. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
the amount of money spent on an annual basis on education and training of staff in 2011 and to date in 2012; the number of staff that availed of each course; if he will provide a list of the courses staff undertook and the cost of each course per person. [38488/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
My Department supports the development of staff to better serve the business needs of the Department through direct provision of training courses, support for staff studying business relevant academic courses primarily in their own time, and supporting attendance at relevant seminars and conferences. Details of expenditure on education and training in 2011 and in 2012 (to end April) are shown in the following table.
| 2011 – Full Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Training Courses | |||
| Course Title | Total cost | Number of participants | Cost per participant |
| Access Officer Training | €280.00 | 1 | €280.00 |
| Advanced Excel | €1,540 | 17 | €90.59 |
| All Office 2010 Conversion Training | €7,160.19 | 306 | €23.40 |
| Anti-Money Laundering | €120.00 | 1 | €120.00 |
| Business Continuity | €790.00 | 2 | €395.00 |
| Business Process Improvement | €3,680.00 | 4 | €920.00 |
| CFR Instructor Update Training Course | €2,175.00 | 2 | €1,087.50 |
| Combating Corruption in the EU | €100.00 | 1 | €100.00 |
| Communication & Assertiveness | €3,499.96 | 17 | €205.88 |
| Customer Service | €920.00 | 10 | €92.00 |
| Data Protection | €545.00 | 1 | €545.00 |
| Effective Meeting Skills | €1,699.70 | 15 | €113.31 |
| Effective Writing Skills | €900.00 | 8 | €112.50 |
| Employment Law | €850.00 | 1 | €850.00 |
| Evac Chair Training | €550.20 | 7 | €78.60 |
| Fire Warden Training | €712.35 | 15 | €47.49 |
| Gaeleagras - Gaelchultur | €480.00 | 2 | €240.00 |
| Group Accounting | €670.00 | 1 | €670.00 |
| Intermediate Excel | €1,094.98 | 15 | €73.00 |
| Intermediate Word | €364.96 | 8 | €45.62 |
| Intermediate/Advanced Word | €384.99 | 3 | €128.33 |
| Interview Preparation Skills | €750.00 | 1 | €750.00 |
| Italian Level 1 & 2 | €400.00 | 1 | €400.00 |
| Judicial Review | €245.00 | 1 | €245.00 |
| Mediation Training | €3,750.00 | 1 | €3,750.00 |
| Occupational First Aid refresher training | €600.00 | 9 | €66.67 |
| Occupational First Aid training course | €900.00 | 5 | €180.00 |
| Office 2010 Conversion Training | €940.91 | 30 | €31.36 |
| Persuasion & the Achievement of Public Goals | €1,200 | 7 | €171.43 |
| Powerpoint | €364.96 | 8 | €45.62 |
| Preparing Tenders | €790.00 | 2 | €395.00 |
| Presentation Skills | €2,450.00 | 14 | €175.00 |
| Public Law Update | €295.00 | 1 | €295.00 |
| Publisher Training | €549.96 | 6 | €91.66 |
| Short course on Long Documents | €581.39 | 65 | €8.94 |
| Tailored Excel | €384.96 | 16 | €24.06 |
| Train the Trainer | €1,500.00 | 2 | €750.00 |
| White Collar Crime | €180.00 | 1 | €180.00 |
| Workforce Planning | €450.00 | 3 | €150.00 |
| Writing for the Web | €590.00 | 2 | €295.00 |
| TOTAL Training Courses | €45,439.51 | 612 | €74.24 |
| Academic Courses | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Course Title | Total cost | Number of participants | Cost per participant |
| Certificate in Audit Skills | €4,800.00 |
| €4,800.00 |
| Certificate in 1st Line Management | €1,950.00 | 1 | €1,950.00 |
| Certificate in Public Management | €1,390.00 | 1 | €1,390.00 |
| Certificate in Civil Service & State Agency Studies | €6,050.10 | 7 | €864.30 |
| Certificate in District Court Advocacy | €2,320.00 | 2 | €1,160.00 |
| Diploma in Arbitration | €5,750.00 | 1 | €5,750.00 |
| Diploma in Civil Service & State Agency Studies | €5,965.00 | 5 | €1,193.00 |
| Diploma in Computer Studies | €4,190.00 | 1 | €4,190.00 |
| Diploma in Legal Studies | €5,962.16 | 2 | €2,981.08 |
| Advanced Diploma in Legislative Drafting | €9,000.00 | 2 | €4,500.00 |
| Diploma in Project Management | €2,500.00 | 1 | €2,500.00 |
| Diploma in Public Management | €8,460.00 | 3 | €2,820.00 |
| Higher Diploma in Public Management | €2,500.00 | 1 | €2,500.00 |
| Diploma in Public Procurement | €2,835.00 | 1 | €2,835.00 |
| BA in Business Management | €2,465.00 | 1 | €2,465.00 |
| BA in Human Resources Management | €8,856.25 | 3 | €2,952.08 |
| BBS in Human Resources Management | €5,960.00 | 2 | €2,980.00 |
| BA in Law | €3,705.00 | 2 | €1,852.50 |
| BA in Law (Hons) | €2,000.00 | 1 | €2,000.00 |
| LLB (Hons) in Irish Law | €4,900.00 | 1 | €4,900.00 |
| LLB in Irish Law | €3,950.00 | 1 | €3,950.00 |
| LLB in Law | €2,875.00 | 1 | €2,875.00 |
| BA in Management Law | €2,500.00 | 1 | €2,500.00 |
| BA in Management Practice | €3,800.00 | 1 | €3,800.00 |
| BA in Public Management | €9,950.00 | 5 | €1,990.00 |
| BSc in Information Systems | €9,365.00 | 2 | €4,682.50 |
| BSc in Business Information Systems | €2,400.00 | 1 | €2,400.00 |
| Masters in Business | €3,090.00 | 1 | €3,090.00 |
| MSc in Digital Investigations | €3,300.00 | 1 | €3,300.00 |
| MSc in Management | €7,950.00 | 2 | €3,975.00 |
| MSc in Management of Information Systems | €4,077.00 | 1 | €4,077.00 |
| Masters in Public Management | €10,209.00 | 2 | €5,104.50 |
| MBA in Project Management | €4,750.00 | 1 | €4,750.00 |
| TOTAL Academic Courses | €159,774.51 | 59 | €2,708.04 |
| Seminars/Conferences | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Title | Total cost | Number of participants | Cost per participant |
| A New Era for Public Procurement in Ireland | €737.16 | 3 | €245.72 |
| Annual Public Sector Conference | €750.00 | 3 | €250.00 |
| Attendance at Seminar | €60.00 | 1 | €60.00 |
| Business Continuity Planning - Disaster Recovery | €300.00 | 2 | €150.00 |
| Charges for Departments Strategy Conference | €2,901.80 | 1 | €2,901.80 |
| Cloud Computing in Ireland | €248.50 | 1 | €248.50 |
| Corporate Governance Conference | €369.00 | 1 | €369.00 |
| Directors Responsibilities Conference | €210.00 | 2 | €105.00 |
| Dublin Regional Seminar | €105.00 | 3 | €35.00 |
| Effectiveness of Training | €295.00 | 1 | €295.00 |
| Employment Law Conference | €796.50 | 3 | €265.50 |
| Employment Rights Conference | €1,750.00 | 7 | €250.00 |
| ERA Annual Conference | €474.00 | 1 | €474.00 |
| Essentials of Employment Law | €475.00 | 1 | €475.00 |
| Future of State Assets | €235.95 | 1 | €235.95 |
| Good Governance Conference | €300.00 | 3 | €100.00 |
| Irish Corporate Law Forum Seminar | €2,369.35 | 19 | €124.70 |
| Innovation in Delivering Public Services | €235.95 | 1 | €235.95 |
| Internal Audit Group | €35.00 | 1 | €35.00 |
| IPA National Conference | €1,053.00 | 6 | €175.50 |
| IRN Annual Conference | €1,580.00 | 5 | €316.00 |
| IT Security Seminar | €150.00 | 1 | €150.00 |
| Judicial Review, Administrative Decisions & Statutory Appeals | €530.00 | 2 | €265.50 |
| Masterclass in Public Policy | €750.00 | 1 | €750.00 |
| Morale & Motivation | €211.75 | 1 | €211.75 |
| Public Sector Reform | €235.95 | 1 | €235.95 |
| Social Media in Government & Public Sector | €750.00 | 4 | €187.50 |
| State Aid Seminar | €967.50 | 1 | €967.50 |
| TOTAL Seminars/Conferences | €18,876.41 | 77 | €245.15 |
| TOTAL on Education and Training 2011 | €224,090.43 | 748 | €299.59 |
| 2012 – to end April* | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Training Courses | |||
| Course Title | Total cost | Number of participants | Cost per participant |
| Business Process Improvement | €920.00 | 1 | €920.00 |
| CPD Training | €2,000.00 | 2 | €1,000.00 |
| Draft Companies Bill | €720.00 | 3 | €240.00 |
| Employment Litigation | €1,700.00 | 4 | €425.00 |
| Dooley | €1,700.00 | 4 | €425.00 |
| Facilitation Skills | €849.96 | 9 | €94.44 |
| Freedom of Information | €1,500.00 | 10 | €150.00 |
| HEO Management Course | €2,324.76 | 9 | €258.31 |
| Introduction to Excel | €374.99 | 7 | €53.57 |
| Negotiation Skills | €3,000.04 | 35 | €85.72 |
| One to One Excel | €192.50 | 1 | €192.50 |
| Safe Pass | €90.00 | 1 | €90.00 |
| Short Course on Pivot Tables | €192.47 | 19 | €10.13 |
| White Collar Crime | €2,800.00 | 2 | €1,400.00 |
| Working Smarter with Lotus Notes | €577.48 | 23 | €25.11 |
| Writing Skills | €900.00 | 12 | €75.00 |
| TOTAL Training Courses | €19,842.20 | 142 | €139.73 |
| Academic Courses | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Course Title | Total cost | Number of participants | Cost per participant |
| BA (Hons) Business Information Systems | €2,750.00 | 1 | €2,750.00 |
| BA (Hons) in Business Management | €2,500.00 | 1 | €2,500.00 |
| BA (Hons) in Social Science DBS | €1,720.00 | 1 | €1,720.00 |
| BA in Law | €5,500.00 | 3 | €1,833.33 |
| BA in Management Practice | €3,800.00 | 1 | €3,800.00 |
| BA in Public Management Limerick IT | €4935.00 | 2 | €2,467.50 |
| Bachelor of Arts | €2,820.00 | 1 | €2,820.00 |
| Bachelor of Arts in Business Management | €2,750.00 | 1 | €2,750.00 |
| Bachelor of Business | €1,500.00 | 1 | €1,500.00 |
| Diploma Company Law | €1,250.00 | 1 | €1,250.00 |
| Diploma in Legal Studies Griffith College | €984.24 | 1 | €984.24 |
| LLB (Hons) in Irish Law | €4,187.50 | 1 | €4,187.50 |
| MA in HR Management | €5,000.00 | 1 | €5,000.00 |
| Postgrad Diploma Employment Law | €4,600.00 | 1 | €4,600.00 |
| Postgrad Diploma in Public Management | €5,000.00 | 1 | €5,000.00 |
| Professional Diploma in Employment Law | €9,200.00 | 2 | €4,600.00 |
| Reimburse fees LL.B in Irish Law from Independent Colleges | €300.00 | 1 | €300.00 |
| Reimburse tuition fees for Economic Policy Studies Trinity | €122.00 | 1 | €122.00 |
| TOTAL Academic Courses | €58,918.74 | 22 | €2678.12 |
| Seminars/Conferences | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Title | Total cost | Number of participants | Cost per participant |
| A new era for data protection | €790.28 | 4 | €197.57 |
| Annual Commercial Law update | €150.00 | 1 | €150.00 |
| Annual Conference | €385.00 | 2 | €192.50 |
| Annual Conference on European Labour Law | €426.60 | 1 | €426.60 |
| Company Secretary Seminar | €395.00 | 1 | €395.00 |
| Draft Companies Bill | €2,400.00 | 10 | €240.00 |
| Effective Training Needs Analysis | €395.00 | 1 | €395.00 |
| European Law Conference | €225.00 | 1 | €225.00 |
| Fundamentals of Euro Claim Drafting | €972.65 | 1 | €972.65 |
| IRN Annual Conference | €2,759.94 | 9 | €306.66 |
| ISEL Seminar on Competition Amendment | €40.00 | 2 | €20.00 |
| Key developments in Corporate Governance Policy & Practice | €220.00 | 2 | €110.00 |
| Legal Costs Seminar | €140.00 | 1 | €140.00 |
| Legal Discovery | €236.00 | 1 | €236.00 |
| Seminar on European Competition Law | €588.60 | 1 | €588.60 |
| Variations to Marketing Authorisations | €504.44 | 1 | €504.44 |
| TOTAL Seminars/Conferences | €10,628.51 | 39 | €272.53 |
| TOTAL on Education and Training 2012 – to end April* | €89,389.45 | 203 | €440.34 |
615. Deputy Peter Mathews
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
if he will introduce legislation to prevent companies charging a large administration charge for customers who do not pay by direct debit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38535/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
Article 19 of Directive 2011/83/EU on Consumer Rights seeks to prevent businesses from imposing excessive payment charges. It provides that:
616. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
if he has carried out a study of so-called mini-jobs policy that is operational in Germany and under consideration in the UK; his views on such mini-jobs policies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38590/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
I am aware that the UK is considering a “mini-jobs” model, similar to that which has been in operation in Germany for the past number of years, which allows people to earn up to a certain limit each month without paying tax or social insurance. There are differing views on the merits of such a model, including the prospect of full-time jobs being split into several “mini-jobs” to reduce or avoid income tax.
617. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
if he has asked the Competition Authority to examine the level of pricing in the liquid fuels market in view of the considerable and ever-growing financial burden being placed upon families and businesses here by skyrocketing fuel prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38591/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
The Irish oil industry is fully privatised, liberalised and deregulated and there is no price control on liquid fuel products in Ireland. The price of fuel is dictated by global factors and reflects global market price (traded in dollars), Euro/Dollar fluctuations, refining costs, transportation costs, other operating costs, prevailing Excise Duty and VAT.
Recent increases in prices may be attributable to a number of factors, including increases in crude oil prices, the strengthening dollar and taxation increases necessitated by the current difficult budgetary situation.
The Competition Authority is the independent statutory body responsible for enforcing competition law in the State. Under section 30(2), I, as Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, can request the Authority to carry out a study or analysis of any practice or method of competition affecting the supply and distribution of goods or any other matter relating to competition and to submit a report to me. In the absence of price control measures on liquid fuel products, the Authority has no function in relation to pricing policies or strategies unless anti-competitive practices such as price fixing are in operation. Competition law prohibits undertakings from engaging in activities which prevent, restrict or distort trade or which constitute an abuse of a dominant position in such trade. The Authority investigates anti-competitive practices on its own initiative or on foot of complaints received. If the Deputy is alleging anti-competitive practices I urge him to make a complaint to the Authority which can be contacted via its website www.tca.ie .
I would point out to the Deputy that the National Consumer Agency, which operates under the aegis of my Department, carried out a survey in 2008 in relation to the pricing of certain products in the liquid fuels market. The Agency’s report on this matter, which was published on 19th December 2008, found that in the main price changes for refined petroleum products were being passed on to consumers in a relatively timely fashion, that profits of oil companies involved in the downstream supply of refined oil product suppliers in Ireland were relatively modest and that many fuel retailers were becoming more and more dependent on non-fuel retail offerings to sustain revenue and margin opportunities. The Agency’s report did highlight the importance of the availability of price information in terms of empowering consumers to achieve the best value for money when purchasing liquid fuel products.
The Retail Price (Diesel and Petrol) Display Order 1997 (SI No 178 of 1997) requires all persons selling certain fuel products to specify by way of a public notice on their premises the price per litre being charged to the consumer for these commodities. Accordingly, I would strongly encourage consumers to inform themselves of the different price offerings in their localities so as to enable them to proactively seek out the best value when purchasing fuel products.
618. Deputy Jack Wall
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
the process available to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare to ensure that they obtain their rights regarding a Rights Commission claim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38771/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
Once a Rights Commissioner Decision has issued, the Labour Relations Commission has no further function in the matter.
Under the Unfair Dismissals Acts, where an employer has not implemented the Decision of the Rights Commissioner, and no appeal has been lodged within the specified time (i.e. six weeks from the date of the Decision) the claimant, or the claimant’s trade union on their behalf, may bring the Decision to the Employment Appeals Tribunal for implementation.
Under the Organisation of Working Time Act, when an employer has not implemented the Decision of the Rights Commissioner, and no appeal has been lodged within the specified time (i.e. six weeks from the date of the Decision) the claimant may appeal in writing to the Labour Court for implementation.
Where an award or a determination is made or affirmed in favour of an employee by the Labour Court or the Employment Appeals Tribunal and the employer fails to comply, an employee or his/her trade union may then make an application to the Courts Service for an Order directing the employer to carry out the determination.
619. Deputy Dominic Hannigan
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
if he will outline, in tabular form, both the number and the percentage of women and men on State boards under the aegis of his Department in each of the past ten years; if he will provide the most up-to-date figures available regarding the number and percentage of women and men on State boards under the aegis of his Department in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38860/12]
622. Deputy Anne Ferris
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
the steps he is taking to ensure that State boards have at least 40% of each gender, as provided for in the Programme for Government; the percentage at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39156/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 619 and 622 together.
The number and proportional representation of males and females on State Boards under the aegis of my Department for the last ten years is presented in the schedule that follows this reply. It should be noted that some agencies were not in existence for some of the ten year period. While details of the composition of the Board of FAS are also presented, it should be noted that this agency is no longer under the aegis of my Department.
In making appointments to State Boards, my primary objective has been to ensure that those appointed have the skills and attributes necessary to allow them make an effective contribution. In doing do, I am also conscious of the need to work towards a minimum representation of 40% for each gender and indeed some of my recent appointments have contributed to the achievement of this objective.
| Agency | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health and Safety Authority | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F |
8 (73%) | 3 (27%) | 8 (73%) | 3 (27%) | 7 (64%) | 4 (36%) | 7 (58%) | 5 (42%) | 7 (58% | 5 (42%) | 6 (55%) | 5 (45%) | |
| Shannon Development | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F |
9 (75%) | 3 (25%) | 8 (80%) | 2 (20%) | 9 (82%) | 2 (18%) | 10 (83%) | 2 (17%) | 8 (67%) | 4 (33%) | - | - | |
| Forfás | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F |
9 (75%) | 3 (25%) | 11 (85%) | 2 (15%) | 11 (85%) | 2 (15%) | 11 (85%) | 2 (15%) | 10 (77%) | 3 (23%) | 10 (77%) | 3 (23%) | |
| Enterprise Ireland | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F |
8 (67%) | 4 (33%) | 7 (64%) | 4 (36%) | 7 (58%) | 5 (42%) | 7 (58%) | 5 (42%) | 5 (50%) | 5 (50%) | 8 (67%) | 3 (33%) | |
| IDA Ireland | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F |
10 (83%) | 2 (17%) | 9 (75%) | 3 (25%) | 9 (75%) | 3 (25%) | 10 (83%) | 2 (17%) | 8 (80%) | 2 (20%) | 8 (73%) | 3 (27%) | |
| Employment Appeals Tribunal | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F |
54 (66%) | 28 (34%) | 56 (68%) | 26 (32%) | 77 (74%) | 27 (26%) | 77 (74%) | 27 (26%) | 76 (74%) | 27 (26%) | 72 (68%) | 34 (32%) | |
| Science Foundation Ireland | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F |
17 (81%) | 4 (19%) | 8 (67%) | 4 (33%) | 8 (67%) | 4 (33%) | 8 (67%) | 4 (33%) | 8 (67%) | 4 (33%) | 8 (37%) | 4 (33%) | |
| National Standards Authority of Ireland | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F |
7 (58%) | 5 (42%) | 8 (62%) | 5 (38%) | 9 (69%) | 4 (31%) | 9 (69%) | 4 (31%) | 10 (77%) | 3 (23%) | 10 (77%) | 3 (23%) | |
| FÁS | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F |
12 (71%) | 5 (29%) | 12 (71%) | 5 (29%) | 12 (71%) | 5 (29%) | 12 (71%) | 5 (29%) | 11 (65%) | 6 (35%) | 11 (65%) | 6 (35%) | |
| Labour Relations Commission | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F |
5 (71%) | 2 (29%) | 5 (71%) | 2 (29%) | 5 (71%) | 2 (29%) | - | - | 6 (86%) | 1 (14%) | 6 (86%) | 1 (14%) | |
| Labour Court | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F |
7 (78%) | 2 (22%) | 7 (78%) | 2 (22%) | 7 (78%) | 2 (22%) | - | - | 7 (78%) | 2 (22%) | |||
| Personal Injuries Assessment Board | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F |
- | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||
| National Consumer Agency | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F |
- | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 8 (67%) | 5 (33%) | |
| Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F |
- | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||
| InterTradeIreland | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F |
- | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Agency | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health and Safety Authority | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F |
7 (58%) | 5 (42%) | 7 (58%) | 5 (42%) | 5 (62%) | 3 (38%) | 9 (75%) | 3 (25% | 9 (75%) | 3 (25%) | |
| Shannon Development | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F |
8 (67%) | 4 (33%) | 9 (75%) | 3 (25%) | 3 (50%) | 3 (50%) | 8 (80%) | 2 (20%) | 8 (80%) | 2 (20%) | |
| Forfás | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F |
9 (75%) | 3 (25% | 7 (87.5%) | 1 (12.5%) | 12 (92%) | 1 (8%) | 8 (89%) | 1 (11%) | 10 (91%) | 1 (9%) | |
| Enterprise Ireland | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F |
9 (75%) | 3 (25%) | 9 (75%) | 3 (25%) | 8 (67%) | 4 (33%) | 6 (60%) | 4 (40%) | 6 (67%) | 3 (33%) | |
| IDA Ireland | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F |
7 (70%) | 3 (30%) | 7 (70%) | 3 (30%) | 6 (67%) | 3 (33%) | 8 (73%) | 3 (27%) | 77% | 23% | |
| Employment Appeals Tribunal | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F |
83 (71%) | 34 (29%) | 89 (71%) | 36 (29%) | 93 (73%) | 35 (27%) | 91 (72%) | 36 (28%) | |||
| Science Foundation Ireland | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F |
9 (75%) | 3 (25%) | 9 (75%) | 3 (25%) | 8 (73%) | 3 (27%) | 9 (75%) | 3 (25%) | 9 (75%) | 3 (25%) | |
| National Standards Authority of Ireland | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F |
8 (67%) | 5 (33%) | 7 (58%) | 5 42%) | 9 (69%) | 4 (31%) | 7 (78%) | 2 (22%) | 7 (70%) | 3 (30%) | |
| FÁS | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F |
11 (65%) | 6 (35%) | 8 (53%) | 7 (47%) | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Labour Relations Commission | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F |
6 (86%) | 1 (14%) | 6 (86%) | 1 (14%) | 6 (86%) | 1 (14%) | 6 (86%) | 1 (14%) | |||
| Labour Court | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F |
8 (80%) | 2 (20%) | 6 (60%) | 4 (40%) | 4 (44%) | 5 (66%) | |||||
| Personal Injuries Assessment Board | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F |
6 (55%) | 5 (45%) | 6 (55%) | 5 (45%) | 6 (60%) | 4 (40%) | 7 (64%) | 4 (36%) | 8 (67%) | 4 (33%) | |
| National Consumer Agency | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F |
8 (67%) | 5 (33%) | 6 (55%) | 5 (45%) | 7 (58%) | 5 (42%) | 6 (55%) | 5 (45%) | 5 (56%) | 4 (44%) | |
| Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F |
12 (80%) | 3 (20%) | 10 (77%) | 3 (23%) | 13 (87%) | 2 (13%) | 9 (64%) | 5 (36%) | |||
| InterTradeIreland | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F | M | F |
- | 11 (92%) | 1 (8%) | 4 (67%) | 2 (33%) | ||||||
620. Deputy Timmy Dooley
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
his plans to seek to enforce and promote health and safety law relating to portable appliance testing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38875/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations employers are responsible for ensuring the safety of equipment used at their place of work or by their employees while at work.
621. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
his views on the potential lack of competition in the retail book distribution sector if a recently proposed takeover (details supplied) goes ahead; if he has been briefed by the Competition Authority on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38897/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
The Competition Authority is the independent statutory body responsible for merger and acquisition control in the State and apart from a role in relation to media mergers I, as Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, have no direct function in relation to merger and acquisition matters under the Competition Act 2002.
Question No. 622 was answered with Question No. 619.
623. Deputy Paudie Coffey
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
the level of funding that he provided for the Irish Congress of Trade Unions for the years 2009, 2010 and 2011; the purpose for which this funding was provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39299/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
An annual grant is paid to assist the Irish Congress of Trade Unions in meeting the cost of providing its Education, Training and Advisory Services (ETAS). The grant assists Congress in the area of policy development, the provision of education and training supports to union officials and members, and advice to affiliated unions on particular issues. The ETAS supports a diverse range of courses including Health & Safety, Pensions, promoting Equality and Diversity, certificate courses in Collective Bargaining and degree courses in Business Studies. The ICTU part funds the education divisions of SIPTU and Unite through the ETAS. The ETAS also involves the provision of all-year-round advisory services to trade unions affiliated to the ICTU.
The table following sets out the funds provided to ICTU towards its Education, Training and Advisory Service.
| Year | Amount Paid |
|---|---|
| 2009 | € 1,200,000 |
| 2010 | € 804,750 |
| 2011 | € 874,000 |
| Year | Amount Paid |
|---|---|
| 2009 | € 231,788 |
624. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
the number of State bodies that have been set up since 9 March 2011; the rationale behind these decisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39999/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
No State bodies have been set up by my Department since 9 March 2011.
625. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
if he will provide a list of the payments made by the State to private land owners in 2010 and 2011 to acquire land for use in the public capital programme. [40012/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
Details of payments made by my Department and its Agencies to private land owners to acquire land for use in the public capital programme are set out in the table following. These payments were made by Shannon Development.
| Year | Payee | Amount Paid to Date | Total Purchase Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Lisdoonvarna Failte & Trustees of the Rooska and Spa Wells Trust | €121,500 | €121,500 |
| 2010 | Donal McAullife | €361,496 | €361,496 |
626. Deputy Gerald Nash
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
the number of appointments that have been made to positions available on the boards of semi-State companies and statutory agencies following public advertisement; if he will provide details of the names of persons who have been appointed under this initiative and the agencies on which they now sit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40036/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
In line with Government policy to introduce greater transparency in the appointment of members of State Boards, I have sought expressions of interest, on a number of occasions since coming to Office, from suitably qualified persons to fill vacancies that have arisen on the boards of various agencies within my Department’s remit. The overriding objective of all appointments is to provide boards with levels of expertise and experience that contribute to their effective operations.
National Standards Authority of Ireland
On 6th March 2012, I appointed Ms Barbara O’Leary and Mr Terry Landers to the board of the NSAI. Both Ms O’Leary and Mr Landers applied through the expressions of interest process. In August 2012, expressions of interest in appointment to the board were again invited. These are currently under consideration.
National Consumer Agency
On 6th May 2012, I appointed Ms Coleen Savage and Mr Eugene Gallagher to the board of the NSAI. Both Ms Savage and Mr Gallagher applied through the expressions of interest process. In August 2012, expressions of interest in appointment to the board were again invited. These are currently under consideration.
IDA Ireland
On 6th February 2012, I appointed Mr Alan Gray and Ms Mary Campbell to the board of IDA Ireland. While these posts were publicly advertised, neither of those appointed applied through the expressions of interest process. Ms Campbell was identified following consultations with IDA Ireland to nominate a person with relevant financial experience for my consideration for appointment to the board.
Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority
On 1st September, I appointed Ms Muireann O’Neill to the board of IAASA. Ms O’Neill had applied through the expressions of interest process.
Personal Injuries Assessment Board
In relation to the board of PIAB, I have made the following appointments - Mr Martin Naughton (with effect from 5th April 2012), Dr Fionnuala O’Loughlin (1st August 2012) and Mr John Lynch (also 1st August 2012). All three were appointed following a request for expressions of interest.
Planned Appointments
In addition to the vacancies on the boards of National Consumer Agency and the National Standards Authority of Ireland, expressions of interest have also been sought in respect of appointment to the board of Science Foundation Ireland. These are currently under consideration.
627. Deputy Nicky McFadden
asked the Minister for Social Protection
when the recommendations of the Advisory Group on Tax and Social Welfare in relation to extending social insurance cover to the self employed may be expected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37160/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
Creating jobs and tackling poverty are two of the key challenges that Ireland now faces and it is essential that our tax and social protection systems play their part in addressing these issues. To this end, last year I established an Advisory Group on Tax and Social Welfare with the aim of harnessing expert opinion and experience to examine a number of specific issues. These include making cost-effective proposals for improving employment incentives and achieving better poverty outcomes, particularly child poverty outcomes. Among the issues provided for under the Advisory Group’s Terms of Reference is for the Group to examine and report on the issues involved in providing social insurance cover for self-employed persons.
628. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the consultation that was made with employers groups in advance of the decision to reduce the redundancy rebate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37387/12]
629. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she has prepared an impact analysis on the effects on jobs of the reduction in the redundancy rebate; the effects it will have on the level of redundancy payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37388/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 628 and 629 together.
630. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Social Protection
her policy on tackling long term unemployment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37416/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The unemployment rate is currently 14.7% and while it has stabilised after several years of increases, the rate remains unacceptably high. It is of additional concern that long-term unemployment accounts for 61% of total unemployment, and for almost half of all unemployment among young people. In the first instance, the Government’s primary strategy to tackle long-term unemployment is to create the environment for a strong economy recovery by promoting competitiveness and productivity through the Action Plan for Jobs . Economic recovery will underpin jobs growth.
In addition to promoting economic recovery, the Government recognises the need for measures to support the long-term unemployed and keep jobseekers close to the labour market. Past experience suggests that, without such measures, long-term unemployment may fall more slowly than overall unemployment when strong economic growth returns.
In this context, the major elements of the Government’s response are set out in the Pathways to Work policy which is aimed at ensuring that as many as possible of the job vacancies that are created are filled by people from the Live Register, with a particular focus on those who are long term unemployed or at risk of long-term unemployment.
Pathways to Work
The Pathways to Work policy and the establishment of the new integrated National Employment and Entitlement Service (NEES) service will transform the nature and level of engagement between our employment and income support services and the unemployed. The policy is underpinned by five core strands which reflect the new integrated employment and income support services which are currently being established. Each of these strands places the customer at the centre of all the service’s activities, recognising their individual and specific needs. The strands provide for:
· Transforming and reforming the employment and income support services institutions to deliver better services to the unemployed through an integrated approach.
· More regular and on-going engagement with people who are unemployed through active case management and profiling. There were over 87,000 referrals of unemployed welfare recipients to the employment service in the first eight months of 2012.
· Greater targeting of activation places and opportunities by providing for over 85,000 places on initiatives such as Job Bridge – the National Internship Scheme, Tús, the Rural Social Scheme and the Jobs Initiative.
· Incentivising the take up of opportunities by the unemployed.
· Creating and enhancing relations with employers through incentivising the provision of opportunities for people who are unemployed. One such measure is the Employer Job (PRSI) Incentive Scheme.
The Pathways to Work policy sets very ambitious targets to be achieved over the next three years.
· To ensure that 75,000 of those long term unemployed will move into employment by 2015.
· To reduce the average time spent on the live register from 21 months to less than 12 months.
· To ensure that employers have access to and are offered suitable candidate to fill full time vacancies and that the proportion of vacancies filled by the Department’s employment services from the Live Register is at least to 40% by 2015.
· To ensure that each person in receipt of a jobseeker payment fulfils their personal responsibility to engage fully with the employment and training supports provided by the State as a pre-condition for recipe of their welfare payments.
Education & Training
The Government has also taken various initiatives to allow those who are out of work to up-skill through the education and training system. The most prominent schemes in this regard are the Back to Education Allowance and the Springboard Initiative. In the 2010/2011 academic year there were 25,000 participants on the Back to Education Allowance scheme, with similar numbers expected for 2011/2012. Springboard offers a choice of free courses in higher education from certificate, to degree, to post-graduate level. All courses lead to qualifications in enterprise sectors which are growing and need skilled personnel. Participants on Springboard courses retain their social welfare payments. Sixty-per cent of Springboard participants have been unemployed for more than twelve months and one third of those for more than 24 months. Over 3,500 people are due to graduate this month from the first round of Springboard programmes, which were put in place in 2011 and an additional 6,000 places are being made available for this academic year.
The State is also providing a wide range of vocational training options outside of the mainstream education system that are closely aligned to the needs of the labour market. Specific Skills Training courses are employment-led and lead to qualifications that offer learners both generic and advanced skills. The expected outcomes are progression to employment in the occupational field or to further and higher education/training and the achievement of certification from levels 5 – 7 in the National Qualifications Framework. The training system also provides Apprenticeships and Traineeships which entail significant skill requirements best acquired through a combination of alternating periods of on and off-the-job training. There were some 27,000 participants on these three FAS programmes in 2011. The Government is prioritising places on training courses for those who have been on the Live Register for 12 months or more.
In addition to these programmes, the Government is providing €20 million from the National Training Fund for a new Labour Market Education and Training Fund for the long-term unemployed. This fund, which will be specifically targeted at the long-term unemployed, will deliver upwards of 6,500 training places provided by the private sector on a competitive-tender basis.
631. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Social Protection
625. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
if he will provide a list of the payments made by the State to private land owners in 2010 and 2011 to acquire land for use in the public capital programme. [40012/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
Details of payments made by my Department and its Agencies to private land owners to acquire land for use in the public capital programme are set out in the table following. These payments were made by Shannon Development.
| Year | Payee | Amount Paid to Date | Total Purchase Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Lisdoonvarna Failte & Trustees of the Rooska and Spa Wells Trust | €121,500 | €121,500 |
| 2010 | Donal McAullife | €361,496 | €361,496 |
626. Deputy Gerald Nash
asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation
the number of appointments that have been made to positions available on the boards of semi-State companies and statutory agencies following public advertisement; if he will provide details of the names of persons who have been appointed under this initiative and the agencies on which they now sit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40036/12]
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton):
In line with Government policy to introduce greater transparency in the appointment of members of State Boards, I have sought expressions of interest, on a number of occasions since coming to Office, from suitably qualified persons to fill vacancies that have arisen on the boards of various agencies within my Department’s remit. The overriding objective of all appointments is to provide boards with levels of expertise and experience that contribute to their effective operations.
National Standards Authority of Ireland
On 6th March 2012, I appointed Ms Barbara O’Leary and Mr Terry Landers to the board of the NSAI. Both Ms O’Leary and Mr Landers applied through the expressions of interest process. In August 2012, expressions of interest in appointment to the board were again invited. These are currently under consideration.
National Consumer Agency
On 6th May 2012, I appointed Ms Coleen Savage and Mr Eugene Gallagher to the board of the NSAI. Both Ms Savage and Mr Gallagher applied through the expressions of interest process. In August 2012, expressions of interest in appointment to the board were again invited. These are currently under consideration.
IDA Ireland
On 6th February 2012, I appointed Mr Alan Gray and Ms Mary Campbell to the board of IDA Ireland. While these posts were publicly advertised, neither of those appointed applied through the expressions of interest process. Ms Campbell was identified following consultations with IDA Ireland to nominate a person with relevant financial experience for my consideration for appointment to the board.
Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority
On 1st September, I appointed Ms Muireann O’Neill to the board of IAASA. Ms O’Neill had applied through the expressions of interest process.
Personal Injuries Assessment Board
In relation to the board of PIAB, I have made the following appointments - Mr Martin Naughton (with effect from 5th April 2012), Dr Fionnuala O’Loughlin (1st August 2012) and Mr John Lynch (also 1st August 2012). All three were appointed following a request for expressions of interest.
Planned Appointments
In addition to the vacancies on the boards of National Consumer Agency and the National Standards Authority of Ireland, expressions of interest have also been sought in respect of appointment to the board of Science Foundation Ireland. These are currently under consideration.
627. Deputy Nicky McFadden
asked the Minister for Social Protection
when the recommendations of the Advisory Group on Tax and Social Welfare in relation to extending social insurance cover to the self employed may be expected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37160/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
Creating jobs and tackling poverty are two of the key challenges that Ireland now faces and it is essential that our tax and social protection systems play their part in addressing these issues. To this end, last year I established an Advisory Group on Tax and Social Welfare with the aim of harnessing expert opinion and experience to examine a number of specific issues. These include making cost-effective proposals for improving employment incentives and achieving better poverty outcomes, particularly child poverty outcomes. Among the issues provided for under the Advisory Group’s Terms of Reference is for the Group to examine and report on the issues involved in providing social insurance cover for self-employed persons.
628. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the consultation that was made with employers groups in advance of the decision to reduce the redundancy rebate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37387/12]
629. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she has prepared an impact analysis on the effects on jobs of the reduction in the redundancy rebate; the effects it will have on the level of redundancy payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37388/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 628 and 629 together.
630. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Social Protection
her policy on tackling long term unemployment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37416/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The unemployment rate is currently 14.7% and while it has stabilised after several years of increases, the rate remains unacceptably high. It is of additional concern that long-term unemployment accounts for 61% of total unemployment, and for almost half of all unemployment among young people. In the first instance, the Government’s primary strategy to tackle long-term unemployment is to create the environment for a strong economy recovery by promoting competitiveness and productivity through the Action Plan for Jobs . Economic recovery will underpin jobs growth.
In addition to promoting economic recovery, the Government recognises the need for measures to support the long-term unemployed and keep jobseekers close to the labour market. Past experience suggests that, without such measures, long-term unemployment may fall more slowly than overall unemployment when strong economic growth returns.
In this context, the major elements of the Government’s response are set out in the Pathways to Work policy which is aimed at ensuring that as many as possible of the job vacancies that are created are filled by people from the Live Register, with a particular focus on those who are long term unemployed or at risk of long-term unemployment.
Pathways to Work
The Pathways to Work policy and the establishment of the new integrated National Employment and Entitlement Service (NEES) service will transform the nature and level of engagement between our employment and income support services and the unemployed. The policy is underpinned by five core strands which reflect the new integrated employment and income support services which are currently being established. Each of these strands places the customer at the centre of all the service’s activities, recognising their individual and specific needs. The strands provide for:
· Transforming and reforming the employment and income support services institutions to deliver better services to the unemployed through an integrated approach.
· More regular and on-going engagement with people who are unemployed through active case management and profiling. There were over 87,000 referrals of unemployed welfare recipients to the employment service in the first eight months of 2012.
· Greater targeting of activation places and opportunities by providing for over 85,000 places on initiatives such as Job Bridge – the National Internship Scheme, Tús, the Rural Social Scheme and the Jobs Initiative.
· Incentivising the take up of opportunities by the unemployed.
· Creating and enhancing relations with employers through incentivising the provision of opportunities for people who are unemployed. One such measure is the Employer Job (PRSI) Incentive Scheme.
The Pathways to Work policy sets very ambitious targets to be achieved over the next three years.
· To ensure that 75,000 of those long term unemployed will move into employment by 2015.
· To reduce the average time spent on the live register from 21 months to less than 12 months.
· To ensure that employers have access to and are offered suitable candidate to fill full time vacancies and that the proportion of vacancies filled by the Department’s employment services from the Live Register is at least to 40% by 2015.
· To ensure that each person in receipt of a jobseeker payment fulfils their personal responsibility to engage fully with the employment and training supports provided by the State as a pre-condition for recipe of their welfare payments.
Education & Training
The Government has also taken various initiatives to allow those who are out of work to up-skill through the education and training system. The most prominent schemes in this regard are the Back to Education Allowance and the Springboard Initiative. In the 2010/2011 academic year there were 25,000 participants on the Back to Education Allowance scheme, with similar numbers expected for 2011/2012. Springboard offers a choice of free courses in higher education from certificate, to degree, to post-graduate level. All courses lead to qualifications in enterprise sectors which are growing and need skilled personnel. Participants on Springboard courses retain their social welfare payments. Sixty-per cent of Springboard participants have been unemployed for more than twelve months and one third of those for more than 24 months. Over 3,500 people are due to graduate this month from the first round of Springboard programmes, which were put in place in 2011 and an additional 6,000 places are being made available for this academic year.
The State is also providing a wide range of vocational training options outside of the mainstream education system that are closely aligned to the needs of the labour market. Specific Skills Training courses are employment-led and lead to qualifications that offer learners both generic and advanced skills. The expected outcomes are progression to employment in the occupational field or to further and higher education/training and the achievement of certification from levels 5 – 7 in the National Qualifications Framework. The training system also provides Apprenticeships and Traineeships which entail significant skill requirements best acquired through a combination of alternating periods of on and off-the-job training. There were some 27,000 participants on these three FAS programmes in 2011. The Government is prioritising places on training courses for those who have been on the Live Register for 12 months or more.
In addition to these programmes, the Government is providing €20 million from the National Training Fund for a new Labour Market Education and Training Fund for the long-term unemployed. This fund, which will be specifically targeted at the long-term unemployed, will deliver upwards of 6,500 training places provided by the private sector on a competitive-tender basis.
631. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Social Protection
her policy on employers paying sick pay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37419/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
For a number of compelling reasons, the Government is considering the introduction of a scheme of statutory sick pay at this time – as a measure to help in addressing the growing deficit in the Social Insurance Fund; to limit progression from short-term illness to long-term illness or disability; and also to bring Ireland into line with practices in other countries in this area.
632. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Social Protection
her policy on addressing youth unemployment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37434/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
Young people, typically, suffer disproportionately from job losses in recessions as they tend to have entered employment more recently, are more likely to hold temporary contracts and to be employed in cyclically sensitive industries than older workers. The Quarterly National Household survey indicated that there were 56,000 young unemployed aged 15-24 in Q1 2012, made up of 15,000 aged 15-19 and 41,000 aged 20-24. Of particular concern is the continued increase in the share of the young unemployed who are out of work for more than one year. They now account for half of all youth unemployment.
In the first instance, the Government's primary strategy to tackle youth unemployment is to create the environment for a strong economic recovery by promoting competitiveness and productivity. Economic recovery will underpin jobs growth. Past experience suggests that youth unemployment, which tends to rise relatively rapidly in a downturn, can be expected to fall relatively rapidly during the recovery.
In addition to promoting economic recovery, the Government recognises the need for interim measures to support the young unemployed and keep young jobseekers close to the labour market.
There are five main approaches being taken to tackle youth unemployment: education, training, job search assistance/guidance, work experience, and encouraging job creation. These actions range across a number of Departments and Agencies.
In terms of education, the Youthreach programme provides integrated education, training and work experience for unemployed early school leavers without any qualifications or vocational training who are between 15 and 20 years of age. There are almost 6,000 places available nationwide under the Youthreach umbrella.
The Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) scheme, operated through VECs, provides a range of courses to meet the education and training needs of unemployed people over 21 years of age (particularly early school leavers). There were almost 1,000 participants on VTOS who were under 25 years of age in December 2010.
The Back to Education Allowance scheme run by my Department provides income maintenance, along with a contribution to education costs, for unemployed people returning to further or higher education. Over 6,500 young people participated in the in the last academic year.
Over 18,000 persons aged 25 and under completed a training course with FÁS in 2011 (excluding evening courses). Training allowances on eligible courses exceed what a young person would receive in jobseekers' payments, providing an incentive to take up training programmes.
The Labour Market Education and Training Fund (LMETF) is part of the Government's 2012 Action Plan for Jobs initiative. The Department of Education and Skills has committed €20m to fund a range of education and training interventions for up to 6,500 individuals who are long term unemployed. There are four themes to the funding, one of which is dedicated to the cohort of under 25s.
In terms of job search assistance, some 17,000 young people registered with Employment Services this year up until September 2012, representing 37% of all registrants. Registering with Employment Services gives job-seekers access to guidance interviews, job search assistance, and training courses, as well as self-service job-seeking options.
Under the National Employment Action Plan (EAP) persons between the ages of 18 and 65 years who are approaching 3 months on the Live Register are identified by the Department of Social Protection and referred to Employment Services for interview with the aim of assisting them to enter/re-enter the labour market. Last year, there were 35,400 referrals of under 25s to the EAP, affecting approximately 25,000 individual jobseekers (those who do not attend initially are referred again). Of those referred, 62% of clients had signed off the Live Register by the end of the year. For the first eight months of this year, there were 23,700 referrals affecting 18,300 young jobseekers. The EAP process is being changed on a progressive basis across the country to one where referral will take place immediately on becoming unemployed for those identified, through profiling, as being at greatest risk of remaining unemployed for long periods.
There are a number of schemes/programmes available that are focussed on work experience. The most relevant for young people are: JobBridge (the National Internship Scheme), and its predecessor the Work Placement Programme. Over 1,500 young people are currently participating on these schemes. The total number of placements of young people on JobBridge during its first year of operation was 2,600. Young people will also benefit from the reduced rate of employer's PRSI, the purpose of which is to support job creation, as well as from the impact of Revenue Job Assist and the Employers PRSI Incentive Scheme.
633. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she will grant recognition to transgender persons and equality in same-sex marriage (details supplied) [37711/12]
635. Deputy Patrick Nulty
asked the Minister for Social Protection
when transgender/intersex citizens will be recognised and the reason for the failure to date to provide such recognition. [37934/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 633 and 635 together.
634. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she has any proposals to support the 40% of persons under the age of 25 who are unemployed and are seeking employment. [37728/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
Young people, typically, suffer disproportionately from job losses in recessions as they tend to have entered employment more recently, are more likely to hold temporary contracts and to be employed in cyclically sensitive industries than older workers. The Quarterly National Household survey indicated that there were 56,000 young unemployed aged 15–24 in Q1 2012, made up of 15,000 aged 15-19 and 41,000 aged 20-24. This represents just under 30% of the young labour force, and 11% of the young adult population. Of particular concern is the continued increase in the share of youth unemployed who are out of work for more than one year. They now account for half of all youth unemployment.
In the first instance, the Government’s primary strategy to tackle youth unemployment is to create the environment for a strong economic recovery by promoting competitiveness and productivity. Economic recovery will underpin jobs growth. Past experience suggests that youth unemployment, which tends to rise relatively rapidly in a downturn, can be expected to fall relatively rapidly during the recovery.
In addition to promoting economic recovery, the Government recognises the need for interim measures to support the young unemployed and keep young jobseekers close to the labour market.
There are five main approaches being taken to tackle youth unemployment: education, training, job search assistance/guidance, work experience, and encouraging job creation. These actions range across a number of Departments and Agencies.
In terms of education , the Youthreach programme provides two years integrated education, training and work experience for unemployed early school leavers without any qualifications or vocational training who are between 15 and 20 years of age. There are almost 6,000 places available nationwide under the Youthreach umbrella.
The Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) scheme, operated through VECs, provides a range of courses to meet the education and training needs of unemployed people over 21 years of age (particularly early school leavers). There were almost 1,000 participants on VTOS who were under 25 years of age in December 2010.
The Back to Education Allowance scheme run by my Department provides income maintenance, along with a contribution to education costs, for unemployed people returning to further or higher education. Over 6,500 young people participated in the in the last academic year.
Over 18,000 persons aged 25 and under completed a training course with FÁS in 2011 (excluding evening courses). Training allowances on eligible courses exceed what a young person would receive in jobseekers’ payments, providing an incentive to take up training programmes.
The Labour Market Education & Training Fund (LMETF) is part of the Government’s 2012 Action Plan for Jobs initiative. The Department of Education & Skills has committed €20m to fund a range of education and training interventions for up to 6,500 individuals who are long term unemployed. There are four themes to the funding, one of which is dedicated to the cohort of under 25s.
In terms of job search assistance, some 17,000 young people registered with Employment Services this year up until September 2012, representing 37% of all registrants. Registering with Employment Services gives job-seekers access to guidance interviews, job search assistance, and training courses, as well as self-service job-seeking options.
Under the National Employment Action Plan (EAP) persons between the ages of 18 and 65 years who are approaching 3 months on the Live Register are identified by the Department of Social Protection and referred to Employment Services for interview with the aim of assisting them to enter/re-enter the labour market. Last year, there were 35,400 referrals of under 25s to the EAP, affecting approximately 25,000 individual jobseekers (those who do not attend initially are referred again). Of those referred, 62% of clients had signed off the Live Register by the end of the year. For the first eight months of this year, there were 23,700 referrals affecting 18,300 young jobseekers. The EAP process is being changed on a progressive basis across the country to one where referral will take place immediately on becoming unemployed for those identified, through profiling, as being at greatest risk of remaining unemployment for long periods.
There are a number of schemes/programmes available that are focussed on work experience. The most relevant for young people are: JobBridge (the National Internship Scheme), and its predecessor the Work Placement Programme. Over 1,500 young people are currently participating on these schemes. The total number of placements of young people on JobBridge during its first year of operation was 2,600. Young people will also benefit from the reduced rate of employer’s PRSI, the purpose of which is to support job creation, as well as from the impact of Revenue Job Assist and the Employers PRSI Incentive Scheme.
Question No. 635 was answered with question No. 633
637. Deputy Patrick Nulty
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the number of occasions in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012 in which one month’s rents in advance have been provided through exceptional needs payments. [38746/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The purpose of rent supplement is to provide short-term support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation, whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. There are currently over 90,000 rent supplement recipients for which the Government has provided €436 million for 2012.
Under the supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme, a payment for rent in advance can be made as an exceptional needs payment. An exceptional needs payment may be made to help meet an essential once-off cost, which the applicant is unable to meet out of his/her own resources. There is no automatic entitlement to this payment and each application is determined by the officer administering the SWA scheme based on the particular circumstances of the case taking account of the nature and extent of the need. Such payments are confined to occurrences which are considered to be unexpected, unforeseen or exceptional.
Payment of rent in advance ensures that individuals with particular needs can be accommodated within the scheme and specifically protects against homelessness. Details of the number of occasions rent was paid in advance for the period 2008 to date are provided in the following tabular statement.
Payment of rent in advance
Year | No. of Payments |
|---|---|
2008 | 132 |
2009 | 119 |
2010 | 76 |
2011 | 52 |
2012 | 52* |
639. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the steps she has taken to address the issues of tax parity and PRSI contributions for self employed workers; her views on whether the currently as constituted system discourages persons from becoming self employed due to the absence of a social safety net if business fails; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37166/12]
741. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Social Protection
her views on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38137/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 639 and 741 together.
640. Deputy Tom Barry
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the number of claimants for farm assist in the years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012 and the amount of money paid out in total in those years. [37167/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
A table detailing the number of recipients of a payment under the farm assist scheme follows showing the number of recipients at the end of July 2012 and at end of the years 2007 to 2011 inclusive. The table also details the finalised expenditure figures for the year’s 2007 to 2011 as well as the total provisional expenditure on farm assist to 31 July 2012. *Provisional
641. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the reason an invalidity pension has ceased in respect of a a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37182/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 23rd July 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers have been received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office and the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.
642. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if an appeal submitted by a person (details supplied) in County Galway in relation to a decision to refuse jobseeker's benefit has been received and when a decision will issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37185/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned together with the relevant Departmental papers and the comments of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal were received in that office on 27th July 2012. The appeal in this case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
643. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if and when an application for carer's allowance will be granted in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37187/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I confirm that the department is in receipt of an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question. The medical assessment has been completed and the application is awaiting examination by a deciding officer for a means assessment and a full decision. The application will be processed as quickly as possible and when a decision is made the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
Question No. 644 answered with Question No. 638.
645. Deputy Brendan Griffin
asked the Minister for Social Protection
when a decision will issue on a carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37192/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I confirm that the department is in receipt of an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question. The application is currently with a deciding officer for a means assessment and a full decision. The application will be processed as quickly as possible and when a decision is made the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
646. Deputy John Halligan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she will give a firm commitment that there will be no cuts to basic social welfare rates in the next Budget; if she will give a further commitment that there will be no cuts by stealth, through changing eligibility rules and cutting secondary benefits; if she is seeking views specifically from such groups as the St Vincent de Paul and the Money Advice and Budgeting Service on the potential effect of cuts to the social welfare rate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37195/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The Government is committed to tackling Ireland’s economic crisis in a way that is fair, balanced, and which recognises the need for social solidarity. The appropriate level of overall expenditure by my Department, including expenditure on weekly and other payments, will be considered in the context of Budget 2013 and subsequent Budgets. Sustainable public finances are a pre-requisite for future economic stability and growth, as well as being a pre-requisite for maintaining and developing our social protection system. The Government’s priority is to secure economic recovery, promote growth and employment. To this end, the State must pursue a determined deficit reduction strategy. Accordingly, there will be an on-going requirement to curtail expenditure in 2013 and in later years.
There are, therefore, considerable challenges ahead including the need to protect, as far as possible, the key income supports and services operated by my Department. These services and supports impact in some way on the lives of almost every single person in the State. The scope and scale of this expenditure plays a key role in the wider economy and helps to partially offset the effect of the downturn. There is no question of introducing changes by stealth. If the Government decides to change eligibility rules or make other changes to achieve savings, any such measures will be announced in the Budget and will be debated in this House.
Looking ahead to the preparations for Budget 2013, I will appear before the Joint Committee on Education and Social Protection on the 26th of September next to discuss Budget 2013. The input of the Committee in this regard will be valuable in informing the Budget and Estimates process for 2013 and I look forward to this engagement with the Committee members. I will be holding a pre-Budget forum on 12th October of this year, to which I have invited thirty five groups, including the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. I will listen carefully to their submissions in relation to the next Budget. In addition, I will take into account the views of the MABS, which operates under the aegis of the Citizen’s Information Board, an agency of my Department.
647. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she will consider revising the requirement for community employment schemes to open a new bank account on a yearly basis and to allow a rollover of existing accounts as would be the case in normal business; the added cost is a drain on the already reduced materials grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37198/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The requirement for a new bank account for each project year is to be phased out at the next renewal date for existing projects. This policy change was notified to DSP Divisional Managers as part of the CE Financial Review released in July.
648. Deputy Colm Keaveney
asked the Minister for Social Protection
when a person (details supplied) in County Galway may expect to receive a decision on their entitlement to carer's allowance. [37201/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I confirm that the department is in receipt of an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question. The medical assessment has been completed and the application is awaiting examination by a deciding officer for a means assessment and a full decision. The application will be processed as quickly as possible and when a decision is made the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
649. Deputy Peter Mathews
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the position regarding a job seeker's allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin South; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37202/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned together with the relevant Departmental papers and the comments of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal were received in that office on 3rd August 2012. The appeal in this case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
650. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the entitlements available for low paid part-time staff who work twenty hours per week (details supplied). [37205/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The jobseeker's benefit and jobseeker’s allowance schemes provide income support for people who have lost work and are unable to find alternative employment. It is a fundamental qualifying condition for these benefits that a person must be available for full-time work. A person is entitled to jobseeker’s benefit or jobseeker’s allowance where, inter alia, they are fully unemployed for at least 3 days in any period of 6 consecutive days (Sundays are currently excluded from this calculation).
651. Deputy Michelle Mulherin
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the position regarding a carer's application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; if it will be expedited due to financial hardship; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37210/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I confirm that the department is in receipt of an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question. The medical assessment has been completed and the application is awaiting examination by a deciding officer for a means assessment and a full decision. The application will be processed as quickly as possible and when a decision is made the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome. In the meantime, if the person’s means are insufficient to meet his needs he may apply for supplementary welfare allowance from his local community welfare officer.
652. Deputy Michelle Mulherin
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the position regarding an application for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; if the application will be expedited due to financial hardship; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37213/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The person concerned applied for disability allowance on 30 March 2011. Medical evidence supplied with his claim was referred to one of the department’s medical assessors who was of the opinion, based on the information supplied, that he was not medically suitable for disability allowance. The deciding officer accepted this opinion. The deciding officer decided, furthermore, that the person concerned has weekly means in excess of the statutory limit allowable for disability allowance purposes. The claim was refused and the person was notified in writing of this decision.
653. Deputy Derek Nolan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she has ever operated a scheme that provided lump sums to taxi drivers towards the purchase of licences or the operation of taxi business; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37220/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The Department does not operate a scheme that provides lump sums towards the set up of taxi businesses or the purchase of taxi licences. The Deputy may wish to note that the Department operates a number of schemes which are designed to encourage people who are dependent on certain social welfare payments to pursue self employment opportunities. These opportunities can include the setting up of a taxi business.
The back to work enterprise allowance (BTWEA) allows a person who has been unemployed for over 12 months to retain a reducing proportion of their qualifying social welfare payment over two years on entering employment or self-employment. The short term enterprise allowance (STEA) allows a person who qualifies for jobseekers’ benefit payment to retain this payment for the duration of their job seekers entitlement if they take up a self-employment opportunity. For both schemes the applicant must set up business for the purpose of self-employment. The business venture has to be approved by one of the local development companies or one of this Department’s job facilitators. The business venture must be deemed to be viable and sustainable and must not involve displacement of existing business in the same industry or sector. In assessing viability, cognisance is taken of the demand for, and supply of, the particular service at local level.
Those approved under either back to work schemes may also avail of additional financial support from the technical assistance and training scheme (TATS). Under this scheme a person may qualify for a grant up to a maximum of €1,000 to offset the cost of certain start-up expenses such as training in the areas of business start-up, bookkeeping and accounts, taxation, preparation of business plans, marketing, public liability insurance, literacy and computer training or assistance with the purchase of small items of equipment and tools.
655. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
in respect of a person (details supplied), if she regards this person as having been permanent staff who took up a temporary position to fill critical vacancies at the time and as part of the Croke Park Agreement and part of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform circular 8/2010, if the person is entitled to a placement within a 45k radius of their address now that their post has been deemed surplus and placed on the resource panel; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37222/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The person in question is not a member of staff in the Department of Social Protection.
656. Deputy Jack Wall
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the position regarding an application for carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37225/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I confirm that the department is in receipt of an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question. The medical assessment has been completed and the application is awaiting examination by a deciding officer for a means assessment and a full decision. The application will be processed as quickly as possible and when a decision is made the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
657. Deputy Jack Wall
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the position regarding an appeal against the decision to refuse an application for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37228/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 24th March 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 23rd April 2012 and the case has been referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
658. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the number of agencies, authorities, boards, committee s, working groups, tribunals, council services, task forces, agencies or other quangos set up by her Department since February 2011; the number abolished since then; the extra cost of quangos which were established; the savings from the abolition of quangos; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37251/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I appointed a Steering Group on the National Internship Scheme in May 2011 to advise me on the implementation of the scheme. The Steering Group is comprised of representatives from the private, public and voluntary sectors. No direct costs have been incurred.
659. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the estimated cost of each quango in her Department; the amount expected to be saved from the mergers of quangos in her Department; the basis for this figure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37267/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The three statutory bodies operating under the aegis of the Department are the Social Welfare Tribunal, the Citizens Information Board (CIB) and the Pensions Board. In addition, the Office of the Pensions Ombudsman comes under the remit of the Department but it does not have a Board.
660. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the number of new jobs created by her Department as a result of the jobs initiative; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37283/12]
661. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the number of new jobs created by her Department as a result of the action plan on jobs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37299/12]
662. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the number of new jobs created by her Department as a result of Budget 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37315/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 660 to 662, inclusive, together.
663. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the total amount spent on taxis by her Department since February 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37331/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
Since 1 February 2011 a total of €54,137 was spent on taxis by my Department. Taxis are used mainly by staff who travel as part of their official duties in instances where public transport is not available or practical at the time of travel. Taxis are also used by the Department’s Information Services operations area for secure delivery and retrieval of backup tapes to its computer data centres, for transport of equipment mainly in the Dublin area and to provide transport to staff out of hours, as the Department’s main computer data centre operates and is staffed 24 hours a day.
664. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the number of press officers in her Department; the number of press officers in each agency under her auspices; the total cost of press officers in his Department and in agencies under her auspices; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37347/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
There are two Press Officers in my Department, both of whom are Higher Executive Officers. The standard salary scale for the grade is €43,816 to €55,415. In addition to salary, overtime amounting to €27,160 has been incurred by the Press Officers in the past 12 months. The statutory agencies that operate under the aegis of my Department are the Pensions Board and the Citizens Information Board. The Office of the Pensions Ombudsman also comes under the remit of my Department. None of these organisations have dedicated Press Officers.
665. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the total number of board appointees she has made since she came to office; the names, salaries and expenses of each; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37363/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The three statutory bodies operating under the aegis of the Department of Social Protection are the Social Welfare Tribunal, the Citizens Information Board and the Pensions Board. In addition, the Office of the Pensions Ombudsman (which does not have a board) comes under the remit of the Department.
Social Welfare Tribunal
The Social Welfare Tribunal consists of a Chairman and four ordinary members, two on the nomination of Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) and two nominated by Irish Business and Employers Confederation (IBEC). There has been one appointment to the Tribunal since I came into office. On the nomination of ICTU, Ms Chris Rowland, was appointed by me from 24 October 2011. No remuneration is paid to the members of the Tribunal. Members can claim expenses for attending both hearings and meetings, as set out below. They are also entitled to the standard travel and subsistence allowances if hearings/meetings involve travel.
| Chairman | € |
|---|---|
| Hearing (per sitting day) | 488.11 |
| Meetings | 73.44 |
| Members | |
|---|---|
| Hearing (per sitting day) | 136.71 |
| Meetings | 68.36 |
666. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she will detail, in tabular form, the total photography costs for her Department since coming to office inclusive of costs incurred from use of the Ministerial allowance; the occasions for which photographers were booked; the photographers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion that a photographers was used; if there is a policy regarding the booking of photographers within her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37379/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
Photography services are used, in conjunction with press releases and conferences, to communicate the Department’s initiatives, schemes and services to customers and to the regional and national media. Up to 7 September 2012, the Department has paid for use of photography services on seven occasions since March 2011, as set out in the table. The total cost was less than €3,100.
The procurement of these photography services was carried out in accordance with national and EU procurement procedures. Since March 2012, the Department has been procuring photography services under the Framework Agreement established by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in February 2012. Full details of the Framework are available online via the National Procurement Services contract list at www.procurement.ie
Date | Company | Event | Cost € |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29th July 2011 | Maxwell Photography | Launch of JobBridge – the National Internship Scheme | 1,035.16 |
| 7th Nov 2011 | Ark Photography | Mortgage Arrears Seminar | 254.10 |
| 9th Nov 2011 | Ark Photography | Social Inclusion Forum | 254.10 |
| 21st Nov 2011 | Ark Photography | 2 Social Inclusion Projects | 326.70 |
| 13th Feb 2012 | Maxwell Photography | Launch of the Partial Capacity Scheme | 338.25 |
| 23rd Feb 2012 | Maxwell Photography | Launch of Pathways to Work | 536.28 |
| 27th Apr 2012 | Lensmen Photographic Agency | Opening of a new Community Campus | 280.44 |
| TOTAL | 3,025.03 |
667. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she will publish the final report on her consultation on changes to the sick pay system; when she expects to bring proposals to Cabinet; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37402/12]
680. Deputy Mattie McGrath
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if a full cost-impact analysis on small business will be undertaken on her proposals to force employers to cover the cost of up to four weeks sick pay; if her attention has been drawn to the results of a recent Small Firms Association survey in relation to the impact that this proposal would have on small firms; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this proposal will add to the cost of employment and will result in job losses and goes against the Government's action plan for job creation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37637/12]
748. Deputy Peter Mathews
asked the Minister for Social Protection
her views on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38192/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 667, 680 and 748 together.
668. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she will detail in tabular form, the total cost of providing entertainment for her Department since coming to office inclusive of costs incurred from use of the Ministerial allowance; the occasions for which entertainment was provided; the entertainers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion; if there is a policy regarding the booking of entertainers within her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37451/12]
669. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the amount spent on food and drink by her Department; if she will provide a breakdown of what this involved; the occasions on which food and drink was provided; those present; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37467/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 668 and 669 together.
In the period 1 March 2011 to 7 September 2012 a total of €119,271 was spent on food and drink by my Department as outlined in the following table – Type of Expense Amount (€) Beverages (Official Entertainment) Lunches (Official Entertainment) Refreshments/lunches provided at training courses Catering Services/Supplies Beverages (Customer Service Conference Expenses)
Beverages and lunches (Official entertainment) includes lunches and refreshments provided at various functions hosted by the Minister and other departmental officials. The policy for entertainment allowances is governed by the Department of Finance circular 25/2000. Refreshments/lunches provided at training courses mainly relate to the purchase of refreshments and catering supplies for the provision of tea, coffee, biscuits, etc. by the Department’s Staff Development Units for training courses. Lunches were also provided at a small number of training courses. Catering Services/Supplies refers to tea, coffee and biscuits provided at various departmental meetings. Beverages (Customer Service Conference Expenses) relates to refreshments provided at Customer Focus/Services Group meetings.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Department of Social Protection employs more staff than any other Department. There were 7,011 people employed in the Department on 31 July 2012. The Department is also a very diverse organisation both in terms of the wide range of services it provides and in terms of the large number of locations at which it provides services. It operates out of almost 1,000 locations nationally, including 12 headquarters in Dublin and 10 decentralised locations outside Dublin, 66 local offices and it provides services at some 897 other locations throughout the State. This large scale and diversity necessitates a significant commitment to meetings, training and other interactions between staff and is also reflected in the incidental expenses associated with such interactions. For example, the food costs set out above in relation to training were incurred in the context of providing 7,513 training days from 1 March 2011 to 7 September 2012. This is an average of €2.26 per training day.
670. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the amount spent on hair and make-up by her Department since she came to office; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37483/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
There been no expenses incurred by my Department in respect of hair and make-up since I came to office.
671. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the number and names of all special advisers, special press advisers, or any other type of Ministerial adviser in her Department; the name of the Minister / Minister of State to whom she reports; the salary of each advisor now; the salary of each advisor at the time they were appointed; if any salary increase was asked for; if this was granted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37499/12]
676. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the political activities of each special adviser, special press advisers, or any other type of Ministerial adviser in her Department; if any of them were members of a political party; if so the parties to which they belonged; if any of them are or have been elected local authority members; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37580/12]
677. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the amount spent by her Department on drivers and Ministerial transport since February 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37596/12]
892. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the names of special advisors for whom salary increases have been requested; the amount requested; the details of those granted increases and the amount by which they were increased; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40025/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 671, 676, 677 and 892 together.
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the names and current salaries of my Special Advisors is set out in the tabular statement. There is no Minister of State attached to my Department.
| TITLE | NAME | ANNUAL SALARY |
|---|---|---|
| Press Advisor | Kathleen Barrington | € 89,898 |
| Special Advisor | Edward Brophy | €127,796 |
672. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she will provide detail in tabular form, the names of all external public relations and consultancy persons and organisations used by her Department for the years 2011 and 2010; the amount paid to each; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37515/12]
674. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she will detail in tabular form, the amount paid on external public relations and communications consultants since February 2011; the reason for the payment; the name of each organisation used; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37548/12]
675. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she will detail in tabular form, the amount paid to consultants since February 2011; the name of each organisation used; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37564/12]
678. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the total amount spent since February 2011 on external reports commissioned by her Department, including payments from Ministerial allowances, details of the consultants employed and costs of each; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37628/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 672, 674, 675 and 678 together.
The Department has a major programme of business, organisational and technological change underway to enable it to modernise the services which it provides to customers. The Department engages consultants for work which comes within the definition of ‘consultancy’ set out in Department of Finance guidelines - where a person or organisation provides intellectual or knowledge based services (e.g. expert analysis and advice) through delivering reports, studies, assessments, recommendations, proposals, etc. that contribute to decision making or policy making.
The Department’s press office deals with all media queries and public relations matters. No money has been spent by my Department on public relations consultancy during the period in question.
I do not draw down any Ministerial Allowances.
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the below tables with expenditure incurred for the years 2010, 2011 and up to 31st August 2012. I am satisfied that the procurement of consultancy services, including commissioning of reports, is essential to support the Department in providing a high quality service to the public in a cost effective and efficient manner and is governed by a comprehensive regulatory, legal and procedural framework.
YEAR: 2010 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Contractor | Purpose | € |
| ESRI | SWITCH Model – Support for analysis of Budget proposals | 150,000 |
| Naked Objects Group Ltd | SDM - Technical Development Advice | 137,255 |
| Naked Objects Group Ltd | SDM - Business Objects Modelling Advice & Expertise | 105,289 |
| Deloitte & Touche | Information Systems Audit Consultancy | 67,175 |
| ESRI | Activation: customer Profiling & Case Management (APCM) | 36,602 |
| P.A Consulting Group | ePayments RFI Evaluation | 34,058 |
| Ernst & Young | Security Partner to provide ongoing Information Security Support | 29,889 |
| ESRI | National Employment Action Plan Evaluation | 25,924 |
| Polaris Human Resources | Provision of HR services | 17,036 |
| Deloitte & Touche | Provision of Confidential Forensic Investigation Services | 8,671 |
| Petrus Consulting | VFM Review of the Disability Allowance Scheme 2010 | 2,344 |
| Camille Loftus | Feasibility Study on Introduction of Single Social Assistance Payment for People of Working Age | 1,800 |
YEAR: 2011 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Contractor | Purpose | € |
| Accenture | Business Process Improvement | 186,563 |
| ESRI | SWITCH Model – Support for analysis of Budget proposals | 150,000 |
| P.A Consulting Group | Payments Strategy | 111,142 |
| Naked Objects Group Ltd | SDM - Technical Development Advice | 135,495 |
| Naked Objects Group Ltd | SDM - Business Objects Modelling Advice & Expertise | 101,253 |
| PricewaterhouseCoopers | Review of Pension Charges | 36,300 |
| Deloitte & Touche | Information Systems (IS) Internal Audit Services | 14,792 |
| SIRA Consultancy | Administrative Burden Review | 14,000 |
| Mel Cousins & Associates | Legal Research on Insurability issues & access to Legal Resources | 7,744 |
| Deloitte & Touche | Confidential Forensic Investigation Services | 7,109 |
| Patrick Oliver Ryan | Gender Recognition Advisor Group Report | 7,000 |
| Milliman | Report on Funding Standard for Defined Benefit pension schemes | 6,050 |
| John Grenham | Report on General Register Office | 3,557 |
| Mel Cousins & Associates | Preparation & delivery of paper on Habitual Residence Clause | 2,420 |
YEAR: 2011 | ||
|---|---|---|
Social Inclusion Division Consultancy * | ||
| Contractor | Purpose | € |
| Irish Research Council for the Humanities & Social Sciences (IRCHSS) | Social Inclusion Research Innovation Awards | 50,000 |
| ESRI | Analysis & Measurement of Deprivation & Poverty | 48,001 |
| Trinity College | Poverty Research Initiative Awards | 9,788 |
| UCD | Poverty Research Initiative Awards | 6,650 |
| NUI Maynooth | Poverty Research Initiative Awards | 6,500 |
| NUI Galway | Poverty Research Initiative Awards | 5,000 |
| Crowleys DFK | Audit of Financial Statement for EU Year 2010 | 4,816 |
| Jane Pillinger | Consultation and Development of a Code of Practice guide | 2,000 |
| Eleanor Ashe | Proof Reading | 1,750 |
| Aiden Lloyd | Rapporteur/Report Writer for SIF | 1,500 |
| Dr Mary Mulcahy | Editing | 1,422 |
| Maureen Bassett | Evaluation and Reporting of EU Year 2010 | 1,032 |
| Kathy Walsh | Evaluation and Reporting of EU Year 2010 | 726 |
YEAR: 2012 (up to 31 August) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Contractor | Purpose | € |
| OECD | OECD Review of Long Term Pension Policy | 130,000 |
| Naked Objects Group Ltd | SDM - Technical Development Advice | 100,875 |
| Accenture | FÁS ICT Applications Systems Review | 44,772 |
| Naked Objects Group Ltd | SDM - Business Objects Modelling Advice & Expertise | 35,258 |
| ESRI | Analysis & measurement of Deprivation & Poverty | 33,494 |
| Creative Inc | Design Work for National Employment & Entitlements Service (NEES) | 24,777 |
| Deloitte & Touché | IS Internal Audit Services | 18,714 |
| PricewaterhouseCoopers | Review of Pension Charges | 12,300 |
| Indecon | Evaluation of the JobBridge National Internship Scheme | 11,911 |
| Baker, Tilly, Ryan & Glennon | Provision of HR Services | 11,147 |
| Round Tower Mediation & Training | Provision of HR Services | 8,038 |
| Ernst & Young | Security Partner to provide ongoing Information Security Support | 7,623 |
| Carr Communications | Media Training Programme | 6,300 |
| Compass Point | Developing architecture for NEES | 4,600 |
| Digital Skills Academy | Pathways to Work – Ancillary Services | 2,665 |
| Daniel Finn | Pathways to Work – Consultation | 650 |
| Eleanor Ashe | Proof Reading –Technical Poverty and Child Deprivation reports | 600 |
| Dr. Mark Tomlinson | Peer Review Understanding Child Deprivation in Ireland | 500 |
673. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the gross annual salary costs for her private and constituency offices at present; the same figures for this time last year; and the same figures for any Ministers of State in her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37532/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
Details of the current gross annual salary costs in respect of my private and constituency offices in the Department and corresponding details for September 2011 are set out in the following table. There is no Minister of State attached to the Department.
| September 2012 | Number of Staff | Gross Annual Salary € |
|---|---|---|
| Private Office | 7 | 451,862 |
| Constituency Office | 4 | 151,720 |
| Total | 11 | 603,582 |
| September 2011 | Number of Staff | Gross Annual Salary € |
|---|---|---|
| Private Office | 7 | 440,705 |
| Constituency Office | 4 | 171,462 |
| Total | 11 | 612,167 |
Question No. 678 answered with Question No. 672
679. Deputy Jack Wall
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the position regarding an application for rent allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37635/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The person concerned was refused rent supplement on the 15th September 2011 as his income was in excess of the prescribed limit. The Department has not received any new information in relation to his application since the initial refusal. If the person concerned wishes to appeal the decision, he must appeal directly to the Appeals Office. The Appeals Office functions independently of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements. An appeal can be sent in writing to Social Welfare Appeals Office, D’Olier House, D’Olier St, Dublin 2.
Question No. 680 answered with Question No. 667.
681. Deputy Michael Moynihan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
when a decision will issue on a domiciliary care allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork [37657/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I confirm that the department is in receipt of an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question. The application is with a deciding officer for a means assessment and a full decision and will be processed as quickly as possible. When a decision is made the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
682. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she believes that it is fair that a cohabiting couple's total income before tax is taken into account when assessing for jobseeker's assistance, if the person's partner will benefit from each other's tax credits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37670/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The social welfare and tax systems have evolved over time and in response to a variety of factors, including Constitutional imperatives as interpreted by the Courts, changing social trends and EU Directives.
The EEC Equality Directive 79/9 and the subsequent Supreme Court case (Hyland v Minister for Social Welfare, 1989 ) led to the change in the treatment of non-married cohabiting couples in the social welfare code. The Court ruled that it was unconstitutional for the total income a married couple received in social welfare benefits to be less than the couple would have received if they were unmarried and cohabiting.
The social welfare code recognised the couple status of opposite sex co-habiting couples and treated married and opposite sex co-habiting couples in a similar manner for means testing and other purposes for many years prior to the enactment of the Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act, 2010. Following the enactment of that Act, further changes in the definition of a couple for social welfare purposes were introduced in the Social Welfare and Pensions Act, 2010. These changes amended the social welfare code to recognise the introduction of civil partnership. In addition, the code was also amended to treat cohabiting same sex couples in the same way as cohabiting opposite sex couples. Consequently, married couples, civil partners, same sex cohabiting couples and opposite sex cohabiting couples are treated in the same manner for means testing purposes for jobseeker’s allowance and other means tested schemes.
For means testing purposes, account is taken of the income and assets of both the claimant and his or her spouse/partner, including the earnings of the claimant and spouse. Where either or both of a couple has earnings from employment, the gross earnings less PRSI contributions, pension contributions and trade union subscriptions are assessed as means. Deductions in respect of income tax are not allowable.
Given the full equality of treatment of couples within the social welfare system as described above, I consider the current arrangements fair. The income tax arrangements and legislation for married couples, civil partners and cohabiting couples generally are a matter for the Minister for Finance.
683. Deputy Patrick Nulty
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she will confirm if the freephone number for the Central Rents Unit serving Dublin 15 has been moved, and replaced with a Lo-call number; if so if she will re-instate the freephone number given the difficulties it is causing rent supplement applicants, many of whom have very limited means and for whom the expense on phone bills ringing the Lo-call number is prohibitive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37698/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The freephone number which operated for the Central Rents Unit serving Dublin 15 was operational while the Unit was attached to the HSE. This number was attached to the HSE building housing the Unit and did not transfer with the Unit to the Department. A Lo-call number was then implemented for the Unit.
684. Deputy Dara Murphy
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the reason JobBridge has not been widened to include the blind persons pension as well as disability benefit.; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37716/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The National Internship Scheme provides internship opportunities of either 6 or 9 months for unemployed individuals in organisations in the private, public and community voluntary sectors and at present is limited to individuals who are in receipt of a Live claim (Jobseekers Allowance/Jobseekers Benefit/One Parent Family Payment/Disability Allowance) or are signing on for credits for at least 3 of the last 6 months (78 Days).
The Scheme has made significant progress to-date. Over 9,900 internship placements have commenced since 1st July 2011, with 4,817 internships in place as at 6th September 2012 and over 1,800 opportunities presently advertised on www.jobbridge.ie . Our records indicate that almost 40% of individuals who have participated in JobBridge have progressed into employment immediately on completion of their internship placements. This represents very significant progress in a short period of time. Further information on outcomes will be ascertained pending the independent evaluation of the Scheme which is currently ongoing.
The eligibility to access the National Internship Scheme is based on the overall objective of labour market policy in ensuring a pathway to appropriate employment, training and education opportunities for the unemployed. It is important that as employment opportunities become available they are taken up by those in receipt of a Live Claim. The structure for achieving this objective is through a reinvigorated National Employment Action Plan (NEAP) which currently provides the framework for engaging with the unemployed.
Given the scale of the unemployment crisis, the key objective of labour market policy and of the NEAP will be to keep those in receipt of a Live Claim close to the Labour Market and prevent the drift into long-term unemployment. This will ensure that those availing of activation measures such as the National Internship Scheme will, while retaining social welfare unemployment payments and a top up allowance of €50, get an opportunity to engage in the workplace, get work experience and so be in a position to avail of employment .opportunities as the economy improves. As such, the policy objective is to prioritise scarce resources to those in receipt of a Live Claim so as to increase their chances of gaining employment thereby ensuring a reduction in Exchequer costs over time.
For the reasons outlined above, the JobBridge Scheme is not currently open to those in receipt of blind persons pension or disability benefit. However, all aspects of the Scheme including eligibility criteria will be reviewed following the independent evaluation of the Scheme.
It is worth noting that those in receipt of blind persons pension are eligible to participate on the Work Placement Programme.
685. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she will consider including the universal social charge as an exclusion from income similar to the exclusion of PRSI and travelling expenses of €20 per week when considering applications for the back to school clothing and footwear allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37736/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The back to school clothing and footwear allowance (BSCFA) scheme provides a one-off payment to eligible families to assist with the extra costs when their children start school each autumn. The Government has provided €63.7 million for the scheme for 2012 and has assisted some 161,500 families to date.
I have no plans to revise the income assessment for the BSCFA scheme at this time.
686. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the position regarding rent supplement in respect of a person (details supplied). [37742/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The application made by the person concerned was disallowed as his means were found to be in excess of the limit. He has lodged an appeal with the Social Welfare Appeals Office and the matter is currently being considered by there.
687. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she will supply a list of all Labour Court recommendations that have been issued in respect of her Department and organisations under her aegis that have not been complied with in full; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37759/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The Department does not normally use the Labour Court for dispute resolution, the relevant forum in this regard is the civil service Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme.
However, in the context of the transfer of a significant number of staff to the Department from the Community Welfare Service of the Health Service Executive and the Employment Support Services of FÁS, three HR related issues were referred for ad hoc arbitration in accordance with section 1.24 of the Public Service Agreement:· Application of the PCW agreement to staff transferring to the Department;
The recommendations relating to the first two matters above have been complied with in full and the necessary arrangements in relation to the implementation of the third issue have commenced.
· Matters relating to seniority and service; and
· Matters relating to career development and promotion.
The statutory agencies that operate under the aegis of the Department are the Pensions Board and the Citizens Information Board. The Office of the Pensions Ombudsman also comes under the remit of the Department. No Labour Court recommendations have been issued in respect of these organisations.
688. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if and when payment of an application for carer's allowance will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37769/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I confirm that the department is in receipt of an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question. The medical assessment has been completed and the application is awaiting examination by a deciding officer for a means assessment and a full decision. The application will be processed as quickly as possible and when a decision is made the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
689. Deputy Nicky McFadden
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if the current half rate carer's allowance will remain unchanged; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37786/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
There are almost 52,000 people in receipt of carer’s allowance from my Department at an annual cost of over €500 million. Of these, over 22,000 are getting half rate carer’s allowance in addition to another social welfare payment at an annual cost of some €90 million.
690. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Social Protection
her views on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37807/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The Department is committed to delivering the best possible service to its customers. Currently the average time taken to award a carer’s allowance application is 28 weeks.
691. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if a review of the refusal of an application for invalidity pension will take place in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37811/12]
733. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the reason payment under the invalidity pension scheme ceased in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38094/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 691 and 733 together.
692. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Social Protection
her plans to amend legislation dealing with private pensions in the private sector (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37823/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The provision for increases in payments to current pensioners is determined by the rules of the pension scheme and is not provided for in legislation. However, the Pensions Act was amended in 2009 to provide that where a scheme was considering a restructure of scheme benefits, it could decide to discontinue increases in payment to current pensioners.
693. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the position regarding recruiting persons with a disability; the number of persons currently employed in her Department; the number of persons with a disability that have been employed since 1 January 2011 to date in 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37843/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The Department of Social Protection is committed to ensuring that its human resource practices, including recruitment, are fully in line with civil service policy on equality of opportunity. The total number of staff in the Department at the end of August 2012 was 7050, this equates to 6377 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) posts. It should be noted that figure includes staff from the Employment and Community services in FAS and the Community Welfare Service in the HSE that transferred to the Department since October 2011.
694. Deputy Charlie McConalogue
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the reason the citizens information service in a town (details supplied) in County Donegal has been reduced from a five day week service to a one day and at most two days service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37846/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
Donegal Citizens Information Service (CIS) is funded through the Citizens Information Board to provide information, advice and advocacy services to the citizens of Co. Donegal. There are offices in Ballyshannon, Letterkenny, Buncrana, Carndonagh, Dungloe, Milford and Donegal Town as well as a number of outreach services.
695. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Social Protection
her views on the fact that people who are approved carers and only in receipt of half rate should not be specifically singled out for a cut as they are carrying out a lot of work for this additional payment, thereby saving the exchequer a large amount of money, and that in fact this payment should be re-categorised as an allowance other than another normal social welfare payment because this is actually a payment for work and not for social welfare purposes and if she will give a commitment to protect the people who are providing this service for a maximum of 60 cent per hour for each hour they work in the week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37850/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
There are almost 52,000 people in receipt of carer’s allowance from my Department at an annual cost of over €500 million. Of these, over 22,000 are getting half rate carer’s allowance in addition to another social welfare payment at an annual cost of some €90 million. These include carers in receipt of one parent family payments, disability allowance and the State pension. They also qualify for free travel and may qualify for the household benefits package.
696. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she will outline in respect of people who are on the half rate carers allowance the breakdown of the primary payments that these people are in receipt of in the first instance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37851/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
Please find below a table that outlines the breakdown of the primary payments carers are in receipt of along with a half rate carer’s allowance, as of the end of July 2012:
Scheme person is in receipt of along with a half rate Carer’s Allowance | Caring for 1 person | Caring for 2 people | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adoptive Benefit | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Back to Work Employee Increase for a Qualified Adult | 75 | 0 | 75 |
| Back to Work Self Employed | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Blind Pension | 15 | 2 | 17 |
| Blind Pension Increase for a Qualified Adult | 27 | 2 | 29 |
| Deserted Wife's Benefit | 268 | 22 | 290 |
| Disability Allowance | 1005 | 66 | 1071 |
| Disability Allowance Increase for a Qualified Adult | 1376 | 7 | 1383 |
| Farm Assist | 130 | 4 | 134 |
| Farm Assist Increase for a Qualified Adult | 138 | 4 | 142 |
| Illness Benefit | 834 | 49 | 883 |
| Illness Benefit Increase for a Qualified Adult | 300 | 2 | 302 |
| Incapacity Supplement | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Incapacity Supplement Increase for a Qualified Adult | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| Injury Benefit | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| Injury Benefit Increase for a Qualified Adult | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| Invalidity Pension | 915 | 74 | 989 |
| Invalidity Pension Increase for a Qualified Adult | 1179 | 11 | 1190 |
| Jobseeker's Allowance Increase for a Qualified Adult | 1319 | 19 | 1338 |
| Jobseeker's Benefit Increase for a Qualified Adult | 388 | 4 | 392 |
| Maternity Benefit | 52 | 1 | 53 |
| Not in receipt of another Social Welfare Payment | 367 | 10 | 377 |
| One-Parent Family Payment | 3975 | 329 | 4304 |
| Pre-Retirement Allowance | 77 | 1 | 78 |
| Pre-Retirement Allowance Increase for a Qualified Adult Allowance | 26 | 0 | 26 |
| State Pension (Contributory) | 3390 | 66 | 3456 |
| State Pension (Contributory) Increase for a Qualified Adult | 1643 | 28 | 1671 |
| State Pension (Non-Contributory) | 2222 | 50 | 2272 |
| State Pension (Non-Contributory) Increase for a Qualified Adult | 270 | 1 | 271 |
| State Pension Transition | 22 | 0 | 22 |
| State Pension Transition Increase for a Qualified Adult | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Widow's / Widower's (Contributory) Pension | 1136 | 69 | 1205 |
| Widow's / Widower's (Non-Contributory) Pension | 84 | 2 | 86 |
| Total in receipt of Half Rate Carer’s Allowance | 21259 | 823 | 22082 |
697. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the number of persons here on the half rate carers allowance and if this will be broken down on a county basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37852/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
Please find below the current county by county breakdown of the number of people in receipt of half-rate carer’s allowance:
| CORK | 2724 |
|---|---|
| CLARE | 547 |
| CAVAN | 310 |
| CARLOW | 375 |
| DUBLIN | 4686 |
| DONEGAL | 1127 |
| GALWAY | 1069 |
| KILDARE | 746 |
| KILKENNY | 399 |
| KERRY | 828 |
| LIMERICK | 1199 |
| LONGFORD | 321 |
| LOUTH | 586 |
| LEITRIM | 197 |
| LAOIS | 351 |
| MEATH | 569 |
| MONAGHAN | 279 |
| MAYO | 757 |
| OFFALY | 466 |
| ROSCOMMON | 328 |
| SLIGO | 350 |
| TIPPERARY | 1120 |
| WATERFORD | 630 |
| WESTMEATH | 468 |
| WICKLOW | 588 |
| WEXFORD | 949 |
| TOTAL | 21969 |
698. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Social Protection
her proposals regarding locating staff (details supplied) in County Laois and the current position on this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37853/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The Department is actively pursuing the setting up of a Control Office in Portlaoise. The new office will be based at Government Buildings, Abbeyleix Rd, Portlaoise in a space previously occupied by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The Office of Public Works is currently finalising plans for the required renovations and hope to issue tender documents in the very near future with a view to commencement of works shortly thereafter.
699. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Social Protection
his views on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37864/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I understand that the Deputy is referring to a recent newspaper article by the person concerned. The article raised a number of interesting points particularly around the issues of job creation and the interaction of the employment and welfare spheres.
The article discusses whether people on the Live Register have a financial incentive to work given the level of wages available in the economy and the level of social welfare payments made to people on the Register. In this regard it should be noted that the great majority of people on the Live Register have a strong financial incentive to work and significant numbers leave the register each year. Indeed, for many unemployed people, unemployment is a short-term experience and the author of the article acknowledges that jobseeker’s supports have an important role to play in supporting people through periods of involuntary unemployment.
The issue of welfare dependency is also addressed in the article. In this area my Department is engaging with jobseekers in order to support them and their families in progressing into employment. One of the key concepts underpinning pathways to work and the new national employment and entitlements service is the relationship between the jobseeker and the Department. In accepting payment of benefit and support, the jobseeker shall agree to avail of the appropriate support measures offered during the course of the activation process, whether this is employment, education, training or placement in employment schemes.
With regard to the suggestion in the article that the Government should provide a database on which employers could, on a free of charge basis, advertise vacancies, the Department already provides such a service at www.jobsireland.ie. Each year approximately 70,000 vacant positions are published on this site. The site also allows jobseekers to upload their CVs onto the database and employers can then match their job requirements against the profile of the candidate CVs.
Internships of the type suggested in the article are available under the jobbridge scheme which is also managed via this computer system. The Department is currently considering how it can improve this service.
Latterly, the article proposes consideration of replacing jobseeker’s allowance with a compulsory work system. While the establishment of such a system would be a matter for my colleague the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation in the first instance, I would note that there could be significant potential for such a system to interfere with the functioning of the labour market, for example through substitution of existing work. In addition, it is difficult to see how any such system could be implemented without imposing very substantial additional costs on the Exchequer.
700. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the progress to date regarding an appeal for invalidity pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37889/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal, by the person concerned, was registered in that office on 18th July 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.
701. Deputy Tom Fleming
asked the Minister for Social Protection
If she will expedite an appeal for mortgage interest supplement in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37903/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 6th July 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 14th August 2012 and the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.
702. Deputy Tom Fleming
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she will streamline the current situation where people coming off FÁS courses are left without a direct continuation of welfare payment while seeking work; if they are unable to obtain work in the meantime, it can take up to five to six weeks before a jobseeker's payment is resumed; if she will implement a smooth and direct transition over to the appropriate welfare payment rather than the existing system whereby these people have to apply for a supplementary welfare payment in the interim as this is causing additional administration time delays in the welfare system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37904/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
In cases where a jobseeker customer takes up temporary work for a short period or avails of a short-term training course, arrangements are in place to temporarily suspend the claim so that it can be re-instated without delay when the work or training finishes.
704. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if and when payment will issue in respect of an application for one parent family payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37913/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The one parent family application of the person concerned is being processed at present, and she will be informed of the outcome in due course.
705. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if an interim payment will be made on an application for one parent family allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37914/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
An application for supplementary welfare allowance from the person concerned has been awarded and is in payment.
706. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Social Protection
his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding dyslexia; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37920/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
It is the policy of my Department to standardise and simplify its application forms as much as possible. Plain English principles are applied in the design of all primary application forms to ensure that they are available in a simple, clear, easy to read format that is accessible to people with different levels of literacy ability. Application forms can also be provided in alternative format such as audio which would be helpful to those who have reading difficulties.
707. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if half rate for carers allowance will be applied in respect of arrears in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37925/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The person in question is in receipt of half-rate carer’s allowance at present.
708. Deputy Tom Hayes
asked the Minister for Social Protection
when a decision will issue on a claim for carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37928/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I confirm that the department is in receipt of an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question.
709. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she will review the decision to refuse invalidity pension in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37952/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal, by the person concerned, was registered in that office on 03rd September 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.
710. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if and when an appeal for a higher rate of rent support will be granted in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37953/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal, by the person concerned, was registered in that office on 19th June 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
711. Deputy Tom Hayes
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she will provide an update on a claim for invalidity pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary submitted in November 2011; when a decision will issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37967/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 10th January 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 25th July 2012 and the case has been referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
712. Deputy Nicky McFadden
asked the Minister for Social Protection
when a national roll-out of the public service ID cards will take place; if there is information available on the success of the pilot programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37968/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The Department of Social Protection (DSP) has developed, in conjunction with a number of other Government Departments, a rules based standard for establishing and authenticating an individual’s identity for the purposes of access to public services. This programme of work, which is known as the Standard Authentication Framework Environment or SAFE for short, also provided for the introduction of a Public Services Card (PSC) to enable individuals to gain access to public services more efficiently and with a minimum of duplication of effort, while at the same time preserving their privacy to the maximum extent possible.
713. Deputy Pat Breen
asked the Minister for Social Protection
when payment of carer's allowance will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37970/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The person in question has been in contact with carer’s allowance section and arrears issued on August 30th for payment due for the period June to September 2012. The person concerned has requested a change in post office of payment. Arrears due for the period from March to May will issue once that change has been made.
714. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
to indicate if and when an application for rent allowance will be granted in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37971/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 28th May 2012. The case has been assigned to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
715. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if and when child dependent allowance will be paid in respect of a jobseeker's allowance payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37972/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The person concerned is now in receipt of a qualified child dependent allowance on their jobseeker’s allowance claim and arrears due have been paid.
716. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if a late appeal will be accepted in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37974/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
An application for invalidity pension, by the person concerned, was disallowed by a Deciding Officer of the Department on 18th October 2011. I am informed by the Social Welfare appeals Office that there is no trace of appeal against this decision, by the person concerned. In the normal course, an appeal against the decision of a Deciding Officer must be made within 21 days of a decision being notified. Appeals received outside of this time limit may be accepted at the discretion of the Chief Appeals Officer. This limit is not rigidly enforced but in view of the length of time which has elapsed since the person concerned was notified the decision and in the absence of any explanation for the failure to make the appeal within the prescribed time, it is considered that the acceptance of an appeal would not be warranted at this late stage.
717. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if and when eligibility for disability allowance will be determined in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37976/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I confirm that an application for disability allowance has been received from the person concerned. A decision on her application will be made shortly and the person will be notified in writing of the decision.
718. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if an application for one parent family allowance will be reopened in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37979/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The one parent family payment claim of the person concerned has been reinstated.
719. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the amount of supplementary welfare payable in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37980/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The person concerned was paid supplementary welfare allowance while her one parent family payment claim was under review. She was paid a weekly rate of €135.80. This consisted of a personal rate of €186.00 plus €29.80 qualified child allowance less weekly means of €80.00 in respect of a maintenance payment.
720. Deputy Tom Hayes
asked the Minister for Social Protection
when a decision on a carer's allowance will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37988/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I confirm that the department is in receipt of an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question. The medical assessment has been completed and the application is awaiting examination by a deciding officer for a means assessment and a full decision. The application will be processed as quickly as possible and when a decision is made the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
721. Deputy Paudie Coffey
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she plans to withdraw social welfare payments from persons who are found to be illegally importing tobacco into the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37989/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The prevention of fraud and abuse of the social welfare system is an integral part of the day-to-day work of the Department. The Deputy will appreciate, however, that persons engaged in illegal activity are primarily a matter for the Garda Siochána. While there is no general prohibition on claiming welfare payments where a person has a conviction, even a social welfare conviction, if the sentence involves a period in prison, then s/he would not be entitled to claim any welfare payment for the period of imprisonment.
722. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if rent allowance will be restored in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38013/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The person concerned is currently in receipt of rent supplement.
723. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she will approve an application for rent supplement in respect of person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38018/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The person concerned has made an application for rent supplement and has been requested to provide further information in order to process her claim. A decision will be made on her application when the information has been provided.
724. Deputy Eoghan Murphy
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she is aware of the situation regarding young people facing homelessness and problems with emergency accommodation (details supplied). [38036/12]
759. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Social Protection
her views regarding young persons who are homeless and in need of an adult payment (details supplied) to enable them to live independently; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38258/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 724 and 759 together.
725. Deputy Paudie Coffey
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she will provide in tabular form the total number of persons who have applied, partially completed, and completed a three, six or nine month internship on the job-bridge work placement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38040/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The National Internship Scheme provides internship opportunities of either 6 or 9 months for unemployed individuals in organisations in the private, public and community voluntary sectors. Internships cannot be advertised for 3 months duration. The Scheme has made significant progress to-date. Over 9,900 internship placements have commenced since 1st July 2011, with 4,817 internships in place as at 6th September 2012 and over 1,800 opportunities presently advertised on www.jobbridge.ie. Please see below for a breakdown of completed placements:
Placements | |
|---|---|
| Total Finishers to date | 5,104 |
| Fully Completed Internship | 2,052 |
| Early Completion of Internship | 3,052 |
| Early Completers who progressed directly into employment: | 1,407 |
726. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if and when an application for disability allowance will be granted in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38041/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The person concerned applied for disability allowance on 5 June 2012. The medical evidence supplied with her application was referred to one of the department’s medical assessors who was of the opinion, based on the information supplied, that she was not medically suitable for disability allowance. The deciding officer accepted this opinion and the claim was refused and the person was notified in writing of this decision on 4 September 2012.
727. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the position regarding an entitlement to jobseekers's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38045/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The person concerned has been asked to produce further documentation in relation to his claim for jobseeker’s allowance and on receipt of the requested documentation his claim will be processed.
728. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the position regarding an appeal for invalidity pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [38054/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 27th August 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred in to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.
729. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if and when jobseeker's allowance will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38070/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The person concerned has been asked to produce further documentation in relation to her claim for jobseeker’s allowance and on receipt of the requested documentation her claim will be processed.
730. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if and when payment of disability allowance will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38076/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I confirm that an application for disability allowance has been received from the person concerned. A decision on her application can be expected very shortly and the person concerned will be notified in writing.
731. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she will ensure the immediate approval of an application for an invalidity pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38084/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal, by the person concerned, was registered in that office on 14th November 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on the 11th May 2012 and the case has been assigned to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.
732. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she will examine the refusal of an appeal for supplementary welfare in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38093/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of summary decision. The reasons for the disallowance were notified to the person, with the decision, on 18th July 2012.
Question No. 773 answered with Question No.691.
734. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if and when an appeal for carer's allowance will be decided in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38096/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal, by the person concerned, was registered in that office on 02nd July 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.
735. Deputy Pat Breen
asked the Minister for Social Protection
when a decision will be made on an application for illness benefit in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38102/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 12th January 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 16th July 2012 and the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.
736. Deputy Michael Creed
asked the Minister for Social Protection
when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive a decision on their carer's allowance application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38108/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I confirm that the department is in receipt of an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question. The medical assessment has been completed and the application is awaiting examination by a deciding officer for a means assessment and a full decision. The application will be processed as quickly as possible and when a decision is made the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
737. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she will support a matter (details supplied). [38115/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The rent being paid by the person concerned is higher than the appropriate maximum amount of rent in respect of which a supplement is payable, as set out in the statutory regulations. Given her particular circumstances, she has been given an additional four month period to either seek alternative accommodation or negotiate a voluntary reduction in the rent with her landlady. Meanwhile, the full amount of rent being paid to the landlady has been taken into account for the purposes of the assessment of her entitlement to rent supplement.
738. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
further to Parliamentary Question No. 342 of 17 July 2012, if she will indicate the number of contributions paid by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38129/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The application for State pension (contributory) has been reviewed and the position set out in my reply on the 17th July remains unchanged. The person concerned, according to the records of the Department, has a yearly average of 4 contributions from 1952 to 1996. Therefore, she does not satisfy the qualifying conditions and her claim was disallowed.
739. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she will ensure the immediate processing of an appeal in respect of an application for invalidity pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38134/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 4th September 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred in to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.
740. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the reason a person in receipt of a contributory widows pension may only receive illness benefit for a maximum period of 15 months; if she believes this to be discriminatory; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38135/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I wish to advise the deputy that payment of illness benefit in addition to widow’s pension was abolished for new applicants from the end of January 2012. However, where persons in receipt of widow’s pension were claiming illness benefit prior to the end of January 2012, a maximum overlapping period of 15 months applies.
In the circumstances, I am satisfied that the current arrangements are not discriminatory.
742. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the position regarding a carer's allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38156/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 17th April 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 20th August 2012 and the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.
743. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if and when an application for carer's allowance will be decided in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38158/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I confirm that the department is in receipt of an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question. The application will be processed as quickly as possible and when a decision is made the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
744. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she has decided to withdraw disability benefit payment to persons who take up addiction rehabilitation as part of a community employment scheme; when this decision was made; the savings made as a result of this cut; anf the assessments carried out to determine the effect this cut will have on the amount of drug misusers taking up special community employment rehabilitation. [38167/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The decision to cease Illness Benefit payments to recipients commencing a Community Employment (CE) scheme on or after the 16th January 2012 was announced in Budget 2012 and is detailed in Section 12 of the Social Welfare Act 2011.
745. Deputy Pat Breen
asked the Minister for Social Protection
when an application for domiciliary care allowance will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38182/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 13th February 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers have been received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office and the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.
746. Deputy Pat Breen
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the position regarding an appeal date for an oral hearing for an invalidity pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38189/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an oral hearing of this case was scheduled for 03rd July 2012. However, prior to the hearing the person concerned contacted that office and advised that she was not in a position to attend and the hearing was postponed.
The person concerned will be advised of the new hearing when arrangements have been completed.
747. Deputy Pat Breen
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the position regarding an application for carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38191/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I confirm that the department is in receipt of an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question. The medical assessment has been completed and the application is awaiting examination by a deciding officer for a means assessment and a full decision. The application will be processed as quickly as possible and when a decision is made the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
Question No. 748 answered with Question No. 667.
749. Deputy Michael Creed
asked the Minister for Social Protection
when a decision will be made on a review of a carers allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38194/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
This matter is under investigation and a Department representative will contact Deputy Creed directly.
750. Deputy Paudie Coffey
asked the Minister for Social Protection
her plans to reduce the amount of days that are required for persons who apply for back to education allowance to participate on a third level education course to take into consideration self employed persons who may have become unemployed and are not entitled to statutory redundancey; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38223/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The back to education allowance (BTEA) scheme is a second chance education opportunities scheme designed to remove the barriers to participation in second and third level education by enabling eligible people on certain social welfare payments to continue to receive a payment while pursuing an approved full-time education course that leads to a higher qualification than that already held.
752. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Social Protection
when a medical assessment by another medical assessor will be carried out in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois in respect of their disability allowance claim; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38229/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the disability allowance claim of the person concerned was disallowed following an assessment by a Medical Assessor who expressed the opinion that he was medically unsuitable for the allowance. An appeal was registered on 17th May 2012 and in accordance with the statutory procedures the relevant department papers and the comments of the Social Welfare services on the matter raised in the appeal have been sought. In that context, an assessment by another Medical Assessor was carried out on 27th July 2012 who also expressed the opinion that he was medically unsuitable for the allowance.
753. Deputy Pat Breen
asked the Minister for Social Protection
when a decision will issue on a one parent family payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38239/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned together with the relevant Departmental papers and the comments of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal were received in that office on 19th July 2012. The appeal will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.
754. Deputy Pat Breen
asked the Minister for Social Protection
when a decision on domiciliary care allowance will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38240/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
An application for domiciliary care allowance (DCA) was received on the 16th May 2012. This application was referred to one of the Department’s Medical Assessors who found that the child was not medically eligible for DCA. A letter issued on the 17th July 2012 refusing the allowance. The person concerned subsequently lodged an appeal against this decision.
755. Deputy Olivia Mitchell
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if, in view of the current jobs market requiring many workers to switch sector and skills-set, she will review the criteria for the back to education allowance to enable applicants to enrol on courses which may be at a FETAC level, equivalent to or below their current level of qualifications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38245/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The back to education allowance (BTEA) is a second chance education opportunities scheme designed to remove the barriers to participation in second and third level education by enabling those in receipt of certain social welfare payments to continue to receive a payment while pursuing an approved full-time education course that leads to a higher qualification than that already held. A person wishing to pursue the back to education allowance will have to satisfy a number of conditions such as being a certain age, in receipt of a prescribed social welfare payment for a specified time period, pursuing a full time course of study leading to a recognised qualification in a recognised college and progressing in the level of education held by the client with reference to the national framework of qualifications among others.
756. Deputy Joe McHugh
asked the Minister for Social Protection
her plans to address concerns regarding one year only recommendations, and their impact on community employment schemes, in view of the challenges in respect of recruiting suitable candidates in areas in which other programmes are operational; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38253/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
Community Employment is a labour market activation measure. It is designed as a temporary, fixed-term intervention to assist long-term unemployed and other specified disadvantaged groups to re-enter the labour market. The current structure of Community Employment (CE) has had provision for 1-year CE participation pattern under the Part-time Integration Option since 1996. The Pathways to Work policy statement mentions that one third of CE places will be realigned towards shorter more focused labour market interventions. This measure is designed to improve the outcomes for those participants and to increase the throughput on the scheme so more people can benefit from a CE placement, including relevant, tailored training and work experience.
757. Deputy Joe McHugh
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if any funding is available for individual voluntary groups who provide community services, in view of recent reductions in allocations towards day centre and childcare services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38254/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
Matters relating to the funding of day care centres and childcare services are the responsibility of the Ministers for Health and Children and Youth Affairs respectively. The funding available from my Department for community services is limited in an effort to prevent duplication or overlap in funding approaches across Departments. Support for the development and provision of community services not funded by other Departments or agencies can be made available under the community services programme (CSP). The Deputy should note that the CSP is currently fully committed to the end of 2013. Depending on the nature of the service to be supported, a community organisation can avail of work placements under a number of programmes to help with the delivery of services at little or no cost to the organisation. These programme are, JobBridge - the national internship programme, Tús - the community work placement initiative and community employment.
758. Deputy Joe McHugh
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the position regarding the uptake of places on community employment schemes by citizens who are single parents; her views on the impact on uptake of loss of secondary payment; her further views on the cost of associated childcare and travel; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38255/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
There are 3,279 persons under the Community Employment (CE) eligibility category One-parent Family Payment (OFP) at the end of August 2012. In January the figure was 4,539. There has been a drop in uptake for OFP clients on CE since the Budget changes in December. This reduction in take-up has been compensated by an increased take-up by persons on Jobseekers Allowance.
Question No. 759 answered with Question No. 724.
760. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the position regarding an appeal against non payment of domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38259/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The continued entitlement of the person concerned to domiciliary care allowance was reviewed in March 2012. The case was referred to one of the Department’s Medical Assessors who found that the child was no longer medically eligible for the allowance.
761. Deputy Pat Breen
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the position regarding an invalidity pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38265/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 28th March 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers have been received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office and the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.
762. Deputy Pat Breen
asked the Minister for Social Protection
when a decision on invalidity pension will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38270/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 10th March 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers have been received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office and the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.
763. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she will expedite an application for illness benefit in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38301/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
Payment of illness benefit, to the person concerned, was disallowed by a Deciding Officer following an examination by a Medical Assessor of the Department who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work.
764. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she will expedite an application for rent supplement in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38341/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The person concerned is in receipt of his full entitlement to rent supplement based on his household circumstances.
765. Deputy Jack Wall
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the position regarding a social protection appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38347/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 19th June 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers have been received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office and the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.
766. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she is carrying out a review of all existing rent supplement recipients; the number of cases in which rent supplement has been cancelled or suspended as a result of any such review; if any review being undertaken is nationwide or simply localised; if she has given consideration to the plight of any long-term rent supplement recipients who have had their payments cancelled or suspended; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38379/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term income support, to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. The aim is to provide short term assistance, and not to act as an alternative to the other social housing schemes operated by the Exchequer. There are currently over 90,000 rent supplement recipients for which the Government has provided €436 million for 2012.
767. Deputy Jack Wall
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the position regarding an application for carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38380/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I confirm that the department is in receipt of an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question. The medical assessment has been completed and the application is awaiting examination by a deciding officer for a means assessment and a full decision. The application will be processed as quickly as possible and when a decision is made the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
768. Deputy Jack Wall
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if a decision has been reached on a jobseeker's allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38386/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer having fully considered all the available evidence, including that adduced at oral hearing, allowed the appeal of the person concerned. The person concerned has been notified of the Appeals Officer decision.
769. Deputy Jack Wall
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if a decision has been reached on an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38387/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 15th March 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 11th May 2012 and the case was assigned to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.
770. Deputy Michael McGrath
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she will clarify the entitlement of a person genuinely employed by their spouse to pay Class A PRSI; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38391/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
Under social welfare legislation, the social insurance status of spouses working in a family business can vary. Spouses and relatives who are engaged in a business partnership are treated as individual self-employed contributors who are liable to social insurance contributions. These contributions enable them to build up an insurance record in their own right and receive accruing benefits.
771. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton
asked the Minister for Social Protection
when a decision will be made in relation to an application for carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38393/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I confirm that the department is in receipt of an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question. The medical assessment has been completed and the application is awaiting examination by a deciding officer for a means assessment and a full decision. The application will be processed as quickly as possible and when a decision is made the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
773. Deputy Jack Wall
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the position regarding an appeal against the decision to refuse an application for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38437/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal, by the person concerned, was registered in that office on 17th July 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.
774. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare is eligible for jobseeker's allowance in view of their availability to work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38438/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The person concerned is currently in receipt of one parent family payment. To establish her entitlement to jobseeker’s allowance she should submit an application at her local social welfare office in Newbridge, Co. Kildare.
775. Deputy Nicky McFadden
asked the Minister for Social Protection
her views on progress made so far in integrating the social welfare system with the availability of employment services to ensure that persons are given the opportunity to be active in their job search; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38446/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
As the Deputy is aware, the Department is currently establishing the new National Employment and Entitlements Service (NEES) which integrates employment and benefit payment services. Considerable progress has been made in establishing this new service. However, full implementation across all locations will take a number of years to complete.
776. Deputy Nicky McFadden
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if the possibility of introducing a youth guarantee scheme in relation to employment and training, as undertaken in the UK and the Netherlands, is being explored by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38450/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
Pathways to Work sets out the Government’s policy responses to labour market activation. The objective is to ensure that Ireland’s greatest resource, its people, will no longer remain on the Live Register for lengthy periods without an appropriate offer of assistance from the State. To achieve this objective the Government has committed itself to a range of ambitious targets. Two of the most important commitments are:· My Department will engage with each person who becomes unemployed in the future with a view to reducing the average time spent on the Live Register from 21 months today to less than 12 months by the end of 2015.
These are significant commitments at a time of reduced resources and reflect the importance placed by this Government on labour market activation measures. However, I am conscious of the particular problems relating to youth unemployment and the need to secure cross departmental involvement in the development of appropriate policy responses. Pathways facilitates such cross departmental co-operation and the effectiveness of the measures announced is being monitored on a quarterly basis.
· In addition working with the Department of Education and Skills we will provide in excess of 542,000 places on job placement/work experience and training and education in 2012.
With particular reference to the suggestion of a youth guarantee, there is considerable variation among Member States with regards to the possible implementation of any such guarantee, in terms of the target groups covered and the extent and nature of the policy commitments made. My Department is reviewing arrangements here in the light of these various approaches. The European Commission is also reviewing guarantee policies across the Member States with a view to making proposals for a European-wide approach. These proposals are expected to be published in December.
778. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
he number of those individual persons with unique PPS numbers in receipt of €1,000 or more per week or €52,000 per annum from her Department under one or more different payment headings. [38456/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
It is not possible to extract the data requested in respect of the number of individual persons with unique PPS numbers in receipt of €1,000 or more per week or €52,000 per annum from the Department under one or more different payment headings. This is because the Department delivers a wide range of payments at weekly, monthly, annual and other intervals across a range of claim processing systems which support the delivery of entitlements to people under individual social welfare schemes. However, the number of people whose circumstances entitle them to €1,000 per week or more in social welfare payments is very small.
While the average payment varies across the various schemes operated by the Department, the most typical rate paid to people of working age is €188 per week, while the most typical rate paid to people aged 66 years or more is €230.30 per week.
In addition to their primary weekly payment, some people may also receive secondary benefits, such as Rent Supplement or Fuel Allowance if they also satisfy the conditions for receipt of those payments. For example, 12% of people on the Live Register also receive Rent Supplement and 16% receive Fuel Allowance. The most typical rate of Rent Supplement is €100 per week, while Fuel Allowance is €20 per week from October to April.
The majority of people receive a payment for themselves alone. For example, 75% of people on the Live Register receive a personal rate only, the maximum rate of which is €188 per week, and 52% of these receive less than €188 per week. In general, the highest aggregate payments arise in cases where there is a large number of children and rent or mortgage interest supplement is in payment. These are relatively few in number. For example, there are currently 1,063 people in receipt of increases in their Jobseeker’s Allowance or Jobseeker’s Benefit in respect of 6 or more children. These represent less than one quarter of 1% of the Live Register.
The following tabular statement sets out the average weekly value of the most common social welfare payments.
Table: Average values for weekly social welfare payments, January – August 2012.
| Scheme | Average value (€weekly) |
|---|---|
| State Pension (Contributory) | 247.45 |
| State Pension (Transition) | 242.14 |
| Widow(er)s Contributory Pension | 231.34 |
| Invalidity Pension | 227.16 |
| One Parent Family Payment | 224.23 |
| State Pension (Non-Contributory) | 213.18 |
| Illness Benefit | 208.26 |
| Jobseeker’s Allowance | 201.05 |
| Disability Allowance | 202.50 |
| Carer’s Allowance | 187.60 |
| Jobseeker’s Benefit | 176.32 |
779. Deputy Billy Timmins
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the position regarding domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38461/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The age limit for receipt of domiciliary care allowance (DCA) is 16 years. As the child in question is now over 16 years of age, DCA is no longer payable. However persons over the age of 16 years can apply for disability allowance in their own right.
780. Deputy Jack Wall
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the position regarding an appeal against the decision to refuse an application for carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38464/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 20th July 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Social Welfare Services on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred in due course to an Appeals Officer for consideration.
781. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the maximum rent allowance payable in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38466/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The maximum rent supplement payable in the case of the person concerned is €434.63 per month based on the circumstances as presented to the Department. The rent supplement claim is currently under review.
782. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the reason rent allowance has not been paid for the past seven months in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 16; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38470/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
Rent supplement has not been paid to the person concerned because she failed to submit requested documentation in support of her claim. On receipt of the outstanding documentation her current claim will be processed.
783. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she will review to decision and/or or restore one parent family payment which has been withdrawn on the basis of alleged cohabiting with their partner in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38474/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
A review of this case will be undertaken and the person concerned will be informed of the outcome once the review is completed.
784. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the amount of money spent on an annual basis on education and training of staff in 2011 and to date in 2012; the number of staff that availed of each course; if she will provide a list of the courses staff undertook and the cost of each course per person. [38491/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
In 2011, the total spend on the education and training of staff was €553,572.49 while to date in 2012, the amount spent is €391,044. In 2011, a total of 138 different training courses and seminars of relevance were attended by 5,126 staff. In 2012 to date, a total of 113 courses and seminars of relevance have been attended by 3,347 staff. The full list of courses and seminars for 2011 and 2012 and the number of attendees at each course are listed below.
It is not possible to provide an individual cost breakdown per person as statistics are not maintained at an individual level. The Department is going through a major transformation programme to provide an integrated service for working age customers. The focussed training programme that underpins the transformation agenda is critical to its success.
2011 | |
|---|---|
Course | Number of attendees |
Accounts Information | 48 |
Action Learning Meeting 2 | 8 |
Action Learning Meeting 3 | 17 |
Action Learning Meeting 4 | 13 |
Action Learning Meeting 5 | 33 |
Action Learning Meeting 6 | 21 |
Action Learning Meeting 7 | 6 |
Action Learning Meeting 8 | 9 |
Action Learning Workshop 3 | 8 |
Action Learning Workshop 4 | 7 |
Advanced Access | 6 |
Advanced Deciding Officer | 46 |
Advanced Excel | 1 |
Advanced Interview techniques | 28 |
AED Validation | 243 |
Assertiveness | 20 |
Assessing and Addressing Poverty | 1 |
Automated Bank Reconciliation | 4 |
Business Process Improvement | 33 |
Casuals Training | 20 |
Cert in Adult Guidance | 1 |
Child Protection | 34 |
Child Protection Review | 8 |
Clear and Critical Thinking | 14 |
Cultural Awareness | 22 |
Customer Service | 82 |
CWS Induction | 18 |
CWS IT | 1 |
Dealing with Difficult Customers | 169 |
Debt Management | 1 |
DAO Seminar | 27 |
Decisions Training | 2 |
Demography and Ageing Stats | 1 |
Disability Awareness | 51 |
Effective Communication for speakers of other languages | 23 |
Effective Governance and Risk Management | 1 |
Effective Management | 29 |
Effective Meetings | 6 |
Effective Writing | 35 |
EO/SO Development programme | 83 |
ERIN Savings Training | 17 |
ERIN Training | 64 |
Farm Assistance | 133 |
Fire Skills training | 15 |
Formidable Females Master Class | 1 |
Front-line Managers course | 16 |
Fuel Poverty Conference | 2 |
Habitual Residence Condition | 85 |
Health and Safety | 2 |
Heartsaver AED | 26 |
IDEA Training | 2 |
IIA Diploma P1 & P2 Tuition | 3 |
IIA/FAP Conference | 2 |
InDesign Pro Skills | 1 |
Induction | 372 |
Information Seminar | 2 |
Inspector Interview Skills and Report Writing | 86 |
Inspector Means Assessment | 125 |
Intermediate Excel | 130 |
Internal Audit training programme | 1 |
Interview Skills | 16 |
Intro to Public Procurement | 2 |
Intro to Management Training | 11 |
Intro to Access | 29 |
Intro to Computers | 19 |
Intro to Excel | 107 |
Intro to Internal audit | 1 |
Intro to PowerPoint | 12 |
Intro to Word | 52 |
Knowledge Management | 10 |
Leadership and Teambuilding 1 | 17 |
Leadership and Teambuilding 2 | 16 |
Local Office Managers Course | 14 |
LOTs/RTAs Seminar | 73 |
Manual Handling | 15 |
Master Class/Policy Analysis | 1 |
Means Assessment | 3 |
Meet and Greet | 222 |
Mental Health Awareness | 94 |
MS Outlook | 37 |
Non EU Visa Information | 54 |
Non-Violent Crisis Intervention | 35 |
Occupational First Aid | 7 |
One-Parent Family Training | 5 |
Open Web Application Security | 1 |
Payment and Reconciliation Project | 4 |
PO Leadership and Competency Development | 1 |
Positive Working Environment | 218 |
Presentation Skills | 19 |
PRSI Training | 43 |
PWE Contact Person Reviewer | 7 |
Report Writing | 1 |
Safe Pass Training | 87 |
Safety Representative | 1 |
SAS Programming | 9 |
Seminar on Public Services | 1 |
Records Mgt Seminar | 1 |
Senior Mgt training | 40 |
SDM | 3 |
Services Officers Network | 12 |
SIU Advanced Interviewer | 31 |
SIU Surveillance course | 6 |
SMART Reading | 1 |
Social Media | 2 |
Social Policy Conference | 1 |
Solas Site Admin | 12 |
Solas End User | 203 |
Solas Overview | 698 |
Specialised Irish Training | 13 |
Stress Awareness | 42 |
Summer School Orientation | 15 |
T&A Supervisor training | 13 |
Transformation Seminar | 376 |
Under performance guidelines | 13 |
VDU Assessor Training | 5 |
Visual Basic | 5 |
Word 2007 - level 2 | 1 |
Writing for the Web | 1 |
Refund of Fees and Language training (20 Courses) | 123 |
| Total | 5126 |
2012 | |
|---|---|
Course | Number of attendees |
Access Officer | 2 |
Accounting Procedures | 26 |
Advanced Access Officer | 2 |
Advanced Excel | 9 |
AED Validation | 131 |
Assertiveness | 23 |
Basic Freedom of Information | 1 |
Basic Deciding Officer | 25 |
Basic Quark Express | 1 |
BOMi 4 Introduction | 2 |
Business Process Improvement | 23 |
Business Statistics | 9 |
C# Programming (Intermediate) | 2 |
C# Programming (Introduction) | 3 |
CISCO ACE Boot Camp | 2 |
CISCO Routers | 1 |
Clear and Critical Thinking | 49 |
CPD Workshop in Adult Guidance | 1 |
Customer Service | 114 |
CWS Awareness | 77 |
CWS Induction | 2 |
Deaf Awareness | 28 |
Decisions Training | 9 |
Designated Persons | 17 |
EC Legislation/Procedures for Dos | 30 |
Effective Management | 180 |
ERIN Training | 143 |
FAS Induction | 540 |
First Aid | 6 |
FOI | 13 |
Fuel Poverty Conference | 1 |
Gartner Workshop | 4 |
Habitual Residence Condition | 128 |
Health and Safety | 8 |
Heartsaver AED | 17 |
HRC Awareness | 142 |
Induction | 42 |
Insurability of Employment | 1 |
Intermediate Access | 8 |
Interviewer Skills | 3 |
Intro to Access | 12 |
Intro to Excel | 18 |
Intro to PowerPoint | 6 |
Intro to Windows | 5 |
Intro to Word | 22 |
IT Audit training | 2 |
IT CMF Passport course | 9 |
Lean Six Sigma for Public Sector | 1 |
Media Skills | 13 |
Meet and Greet/Induction | 232 |
Mentoring training course | 10 |
MS 2010 Advanced | 1 |
MS Outlook | 18 |
MS Vision (2010) | 2 |
Minute Taking | 1 |
MS Office 2010 and Windows 7 | 12 |
MS Tech Ed | 3 |
Non-Violent Crisis Intervention | 184 |
Occupational First Aid | 1 |
OO Programming Introduction (6367) | 2 |
OPFP Killarney | 4 |
Overview of Fraud Control | 17 |
Pathways to Work | 3 |
PMDS Manager training | 18 |
Presentation Skills | 58 |
Project management | 1 |
Project, Governance and Financial | 33 |
Public Procurement Conference | 1 |
Public Procurement Litigation | 1 |
Public Sector Procurement Rules | 1 |
Quark level ½ | 2 |
Safe Talk | 19 |
Safe/PSC training programme | 190 |
Shared Service and Outsourcing | 1 |
Social Policy Conference | 1 |
SQL Server 2008 (2778) | 2 |
STOR Overview | 115 |
Stress Awareness | 156 |
Stress Management | 65 |
Summer School Evaluation launch 2012 | 14 |
Summer School Orientation 2012 | 24 |
SWI Interview Skills and Report Writing | 20 |
SWI Means Assessment | 11 |
SWI PRSI Training | 28 |
T&A Supervisor training | 2 |
Telephone Techniques | 75 |
Windows 7 troubleshooting (6293) | 5 |
Workforce Planning in Public Sector | 1 |
Refund of Fees and Language training ( 25 Courses) | 100 |
Total | 3347 |
785. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if and when basic supplementary welfare allowance will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15 whose job seekers allowance claim was terminated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38498/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The person concerned has been in receipt of a basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance payment since 19th July 2012. This is being paid on a weekly basis pending the completion of the investigation of a Jobseeker’s Allowance claim made on 3rd July 2012.
786. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the number of participants engaged in community employment schemes nationwide on 1 August 2011; the numbers so engaged on 1 August 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38501/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
At the end of July 2011 there were 23,403 (participants and Supervisors) engaged on Community Employment (CE).
At the end of July 2012 there were 22,764 (participants and Supervisors).
Statistics for the CE are compiled at the end of each month.
787. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the number of community employment projects operational nationwide on 1 August 2011; the number of such projects operational on 1 August 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38502/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
At the end of July 2011 there were 1,143 Community Employment (CE) projects. At the end of July 2012 there were 1,114 CE projects.The reduction in the number of projects is due to a combination of factors including amalgamations of CE projects and CE Sponsors closing of their own volition (with the places being redistributed where applicable). Where projects are amalgamated there are overall savings to be made as a result of economies of scale (e.g. audit costs, insurance costs etc.).
788. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she will expedite an appeal of a disability allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38536/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I confirm that the Department is in receipt of an application for disability allowance from the above named person. On completion of the necessary investigations on all aspects of the claim a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
789. Deputy Mattie McGrath
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the percentage of applications for the domiciliary care allowance that were refused each year for the past five years; the number of refusals that were over turned following appeal; the main reason for refusal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38551/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The Department has been accepting new claims for domiciliary care allowance (DCA) since 1st April 2009. Statistics relating to the allowance for the period prior to April 2009 are a matter for the HSE, the previous administrators of the scheme.
The number of applicants for DCA that were received, awarded and refused in each year from April 2009 to August 2012 is set out in table 1 below.
Table 1 - Domiciliary Care Allowance applications – April 2009 to August 2012
| Applications received | Applications fully processed in year | Applications allowed incl. on review* | Applications disallowed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 (from 1st April) | 3,389 | 2,823 | 1,220 | 1,603 |
| 2010 | 5,457 | 5,333 | 2,576 | 2,757 |
| 2011 | 5,525 | 5,396 | 2,502 | 2,894 |
| 2012 (to 31st August) | 3,022 | 3,421 | 1,511 | 1,910 |
| Total | 17,393 | 16,973 | 7,809 | 9,164 |
| Year | Appeals registered | Appeals revised/ withdrawn /cancelled | Appeals allowed | Appeals disallowed | Appeals partially allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 836 | 50 | 6 | 5 | 0 |
| 2010 | 1827 | 609 | 221 | 417 | 14 |
| 2011 | 2322 | 476 | 798 | 1109 | 37 |
| 2012 | 1455 | 418 | 577 | 587 | 19 |
| Total | 6440 | 1553 | 1602 | 2118 | 70 |
790. Deputy Brendan Griffin
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if a decision has been made on a domiciliary care allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38554/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
Applications for domiciliary care allowance (DCA) in respect of two children were received from the person concerned on the 17th August 2012. These applications have been forwarded to one of the Department’s Medical Assessors for their medical opinion. Upon receipt of this opinion, a decision will issue to the customer.
It can currently take up to 8 weeks to process a DCA application.
791. Deputy Brendan Griffin
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the reason invalidity pension has not been granted to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38555/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the invalidity pension claim of the person concerned was disallowed following an assessment by a Medical Assessor who expressed the opinion that she was medically unsuitable for this payment. An appeal was registered on 24 July 2012 and in accordance with the statutory procedures the relevant department papers and the comments of the Social Welfare services on the matter raised in the appeal have been sought. In that context, an assessment by another Medical Assessor will be carried out.
792. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if and when a basic social welfare payment will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38569/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The person concerned has been advised on a number of occasions that his Garda National Immigration Bureau card is out of date since 30th January 2012. He has also been advised that holding of a currently valid card, indicating his status in the country, is one of the requirements, inter alia, to accessing Basic Supplementary Welfare payments as well as other schemes.
793. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if and when payment will issue in respect of an appeal for jobseeker's allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38570/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 27th March 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 20th April 2012 and the case has been referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.
794. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if and when payment in respect of an application for rent supplement will be paid in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38572/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The first payment of rent supplement issued on 14th September 2012 in respect of the period commencing on 23rd July, the date on which he was found to qualify for rent supplement.
795. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the correct rate of carer’s allowance due in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; if he will outline the amount of arrears due since 20 October 2011; if all such arrears have been paid; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38573/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The person in question was awarded carer’s allowance from 20th October 2011. The correct rate of €278.50 has been applied in this case. This comprises of the basic rate of €204 plus €14.90 for each of her 5 children. The child dependent half rate has been correctly applied in this case as the person concerned is living with her spouse. There is no increase for a qualified adult payable with the carer’s allowance scheme.
796. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15 may be considered a dependant on their spouse's carer’s allowance payment,; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38574/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
There is no increase for a qualified adult payable with the carer’s allowance scheme and therefore it is not possible to add the person concerned as a dependent on their spouse’s carer’s allowance claim.
797. Deputy Billy Timmins
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the position regarding a refund of contributions in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38576/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The determination of the employment status and therefore PRSI Class applicable to working directors has been the subject of challenge, court judgments and legal advices. As a result, the Department has been examining the matters that determine the insurability status of working directors, having regard to the recent judgments and advices. In the meantime, I regret that decisions are suspended.
798. Deputy John Lyons
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the position regarding the refund of rent supplement in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [38583/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The person concerned reported non-receipt of a rent supplement cheque in respect of a week in July. The cheque has now been replaced.
799. Deputy Jack Wall
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the position regarding a domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38600/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
An application for domiciliary care allowance was received from the person in question on the 2nd August 2012. This application has been forwarded to one of the Department’s Medical Assessors for their medical opinion. Upon receipt of this opinion, a decision will issue to the customer.
It can currently take up to 8 weeks to process a DCA application.
800. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the number of participants engaged in job initiative schemes nationwide on 1 August 2011; the numbers so engaged on 1 August 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38602/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
There were 1,279 participants on the Job Initiative (JI) scheme at the end of July 2011. There were 1,201 participants at the end of July 2012. (Statistics are compiled at month end). As per the announcement by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment on the 10th of November 2004, effective from that date, participants on the JI scheme continue to have their contracts renewed until retirement age (66). This also had the effect of ceasing recruitment onto the JI programme from that time. Subsequent exits from JI have primarily been as a result of retirement of the participant.
801. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the number of job initiative schemes operational nationwide on 1 August 2011; the number of such projects operational on 1 August 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38603/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
At the end of July 2012 there were 62 JI projects employing 1,201 (participants and Supervisors). The reduction in the number of schemes is primarily due to the non-recruitment of new entrants and the amalgamation of existing schemes.
802. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Social Protection
her plans regarding the free travel scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38621/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The free travel scheme is currently available to all people living in the State aged 66 years or over, to carers and to people who are in receipt of certain disability type payments. There are currently in excess of 720,000 customers eligible for free travel and when spousal and companion passes are taken into account, there are over 1.1 million customers with some free travel eligibility.
803. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton
asked the Minister for Social Protection
when a decision will issue on an application for carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38622/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I confirm that the department is in receipt of an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question. The medical assessment has been completed and the application is awaiting examination by a deciding officer for a means assessment and a full decision. The application will be processed as quickly as possible and when a decision is made the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
804. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if and when it is likely that disability allowance will be paid in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38634/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The person concerned applied for disability allowance on 20 March 2012
805. Deputy Brendan Griffin
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if carer's allowance will be granted in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38638/12]
811. Deputy Tom Fleming
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she will examine the delay in processing a carer's allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38686/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 805 and 811 together.
806. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the position regarding an application for carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38657/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
This application for carer’s allowance has been awarded. The payment commenced on 12th September 2012. A letter to this effect issued to the person in question on 12th September 2012.
807. Deputy Brendan Smith
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if a register of all pension schemes approved by the Revenue Commissioners exists; and if so, the statutory agency with which such a register is held; if the relevant legislation covering this can be referred to; the Department that is currently responsible for same; and if the register is available to the public and the information headings under which data is published for each scheme. [38666/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The Pensions Board maintains a register of occupational pension schemes, all of which are approved by the Revenue Commissioners. In accordance with Section 60 of the Pensions Act 1990, the trustees must register the scheme with the Pensions Board within one year of the commencement date.
808. Deputy Brendan Smith
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the responsibilities on pension schemes to locate recipients of schemes with particular reference to beneficiaries who cannot be located; the legislation covering this area; the action that must be taken in such cases; if provision for payment must be made in-house, separately with the pension board or if there is a dormant accounts type provision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38669/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
Section 59 of the Pensions Act 1990 sets out the general duties of trustees of pension schemes one of which is where appropriate, to make arrangements for the payment of the benefits as provided under the rules of the scheme as they become due. My Department provides support to pension schemes that are having difficulty locating scheme members by providing a mail hosting service. This service operates by sending a letter to a person’s last known address asking them to make contact with their pension scheme.
809. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the position regarding a domiciliary care allowance review in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38670/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
An application for domiciliary care allowance was received on the 28th March 2012. This application was referred to one of the Department’s Medical Assessors who found that the child was not medically eligible for the allowance. A letter issued on the 10th May 2012 advising of the decision.
810. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the position regarding rent allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1 [38679/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The person concerned has already been in receipt of rent supplement since 2009. Should he apply for rent supplement for a new address, all of his circumstances will of course be taken into account, subject to the standard criteria.
Question No. 811 answered with Question No. 805.
812. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
her future plans, if any, to improve the efficiency and efficacy of the rent supplement scheme, bearing in mind the struggles that both landlords and tenants face, particularly tenants who have mortgage commitments that they must honour; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38687/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. The overall aim is to provide short term assistance, and not to act as an alternative to the other social housing schemes operated by the Exchequer. There are currently over 90,000 rent supplement recipients for which the Government has provided €436 million for 2012.
813. Deputy Jack Wall
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the position regarding an appeal against the decision to refuse an application for domiciliary allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38690/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 25th February 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on the 25th July 2012 and the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.
814. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the position regarding a redundancy claim in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; when payment maybe expected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38691/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
An application for a redundancy lump sum payment in respect of the person concerned was received in the Department in August. It is expected that the claim will be finalised within the coming weeks.
815. Deputy Charles Flanagan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the reasons for the failure to recognise the insurability of the employment of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38694/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The matter here, including seeking retrospection back to 2002, was the subject of a statutory decision by a Deciding Officer, who decided that the situation did / does not constitute a contract of service (i.e. that the requirements of an employer/employee relationship were not present) and therefore not insurable for PRSI purposes.
816. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if and when carer's allowance will be paid in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38695/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The person concerned applied for a carer’s allowance for two people and is currently in receipt of a carer’s allowance for one of those carers.
817. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she will expedite an application for carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38697/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I confirm that the department is in receipt of an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question. The medical assessment has been completed and the application is awaiting examination by a deciding officer for a means assessment and a full decision. The application will be processed as quickly as possible and when a decision is made the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
818. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if and when a decision will be made in respect of an appeal for invalidity pension in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38698/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that no appeal by the person concerned has been received by that office.
819. Deputy Willie O'Dea
asked the Minister for Social Protection
further to Parliamentary Questions Nos 38, 46, 47, 49 and 60 of 17 July 2012 regarding the rent supplement scheme and in particular the following paragraph, while rent supplement is not generally paid where the rent charged for the accommodation is above the relevant maximum limit, Departmental officials have flexibility around making payments above these limits where where there are special housing needs related to exceptional circumstances which may include a person with a disability in specially adapted accommodation; the number of person that have been exempted from the new rental caps as a result of this flexibility. [38704/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. The overall aim is to provide short term assistance, and not to act as an alternative to the other social housing schemes operated by the Exchequer. There are currently over 90,000 rent supplement recipients for which the Government has provided €436million for 2012.
821. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the position regarding the back dating of domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38712/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 18th April 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 14th May 2012 and the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.
822. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the reason it has been deemed that a person (details supplied) in County Kildare is being over accommodated with respect to their rent supplement payment; if she will review the decision to cease their rent supplement payment on the 30 of November 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38713/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The person concerned has been awarded rent supplement from the 20th August 2011 on the basis of. S.I. No. 412 of 2007 Part 6 Article 38 which states that a designated person may award a supplement in any case where it appears that the circumstances of the case so warrant. A thorough review is currently being undertaken on his claim. The Department will be in touch with the client this week in relation to outstanding information required.
823. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the position regarding pension entitlements under proposed new rules (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38735/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
There is an important context to the proposed changes to State pension provision. Given the scale of the fiscal crisis and because spending on social protection accounts for nearly 40% of current Government expenditure, you will appreciate that savings have to be found in the social welfare system.
As social structures in Ireland are changing rapidly, the structures of our social support need to change to accommodate this and the changes to State pension have been made in the context of changing demographics and the fact that people are living longer and healthier lives.
In addition to the budgetary imperative, there is an important long-term policy context for the proposed changes to State pension, which includes gradually increasing the State pension age to 68 years and introducing changes to the pension rate bands for customers who reach pension age on and from September 2012. There are currently six people of working age for every pensioner and this ratio is expected to decrease to approximately two to one by 2050.
Therefore, the task of financing increasing pensions will fall to a diminishing share of the population.
This has obvious and significant implications in relation to the future costs of State pension provision. The period for which an average pension will be paid will be greater than the period for which a pension is paid at present. The standardisation of State pension age to age 66 is one of the measures planned which aims to increase the sustainability of the Irish pension system.
It is important in assessing any rates of payment, that we focus on the real impact of social welfare payments. In this regard, it should be noted that older people do not experience the levels of poverty that existed in the past. This can be clearly seen in a wide range of data such as the significant reduction in the ‘risk of poverty’ rate from 27.1% in 2004 to 9.6% in 2010. The consistent poverty rate over the same period also declined from 3.9% to 0.9%. If one examines deprivation rates from a gender perspective, it can be seen that in 2009, the deprivation rate of older men at 7.6% was lower than the deprivation rate of older women at 11.1%. However, in 2010 this pattern has reversed and the data now shows us that older women suffer lower rates of deprivation at 6.9% compared to 11.8% for older men.
The State pension is a very valuable benefit. Therefore, it is important to ensure that those qualifying have made a sustained contribution to the Social Insurance Fund over their working lives.
Recent changes to State pension supports the direct link between contributions made and the rate of pension received which underpins State pension policy. By aligning the rate of pension paid with the contribution made ensures that those who contribute more during a working life benefit more in retirement than those with lesser contributions. The sustainability of pensions into the future is also important given the changing demographics, the increased numbers of those over 65 and increased longevity and reduced dependency ratio.
In relation to women who leave the workplace for homemaking/caring purposes, they can, if eligible, avail of the homemakers scheme which helps to provide a higher rate of pension for those who meet the qualifying conditions.
It should be noted that women who do not qualify for a pension or are affected by the rate band change may, if their spouse is in receipt of a State pension contributory, receive a qualified adult payment at a higher rate where they satisfy a means test. A State pension non-contributory pension, which is a means tested payment, may also be payable. The Actuarial Review of the Social Insurance Fund shows that those with short contribution histories have the potential to fare better than those with full contribution histories. This is particularly helpful to women. The Fund also provides better value to women than to men.
An information campaign in relation to all of the changes to State pension has been underway since March 2012 and all information can be accessed at www.welfare.ie. My Department met with the relevant representative groups and information leaflets were disseminated to all relevant groups as part of the information campaign.
824. Deputy Tom Fleming
asked the Minister for Social Protection
her views on whether it is fair and reasonable for carer's allowance applicants to wait over 12 months to have their claims processed; her views on whether it is fair and reasonable for applicants who have given up their job to care for someone on a full time basis to have to wait over 12 months for payment; her plans to address same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38744/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
There is currently a significant backlog of claims awaiting decision in carer’s allowance. The Department is committed to delivering the best possible service to its customers. I acknowledge that the time taken to process carer's allowance claims, currently an average of 28 weeks, is not satisfactory, but I am satisfied that the Department is taking appropriate action to resolve the situation.
825. Deputy John O'Mahony
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if the twelve months a participant spends on a TÚS programme counts as eligibility for access to a community employment scheme for that person; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38747/12]
874. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if there is any scheme or programme that would allow a person (details supplied) in County Wexford to continue working on a community project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39250/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 825 and 874 together.
826. Deputy John O'Mahony
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the reason for the delay in determining the outcome of an appeal in respect of a disability allowance claimant (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38748/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 11th January 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 4th July 2012 and the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.
827. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
when an appeal in respect of invalidity pension will be determined in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38752/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 3rd September 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Social Welfare Services on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred in due course to an Appeals Officer for consideration.
828. Deputy Eric Byrne
asked the Minister for Social Protection
when a decision will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 10; if she will expedite this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38765/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I confirm that the Department is in receipt of an application for disability allowance from the above named person. On completion of the necessary investigations on all aspects of the claim a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
829. Deputy Denis Naughten
asked the Minister for Social Protection
822. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the reason it has been deemed that a person (details supplied) in County Kildare is being over accommodated with respect to their rent supplement payment; if she will review the decision to cease their rent supplement payment on the 30 of November 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38713/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The person concerned has been awarded rent supplement from the 20th August 2011 on the basis of. S.I. No. 412 of 2007 Part 6 Article 38 which states that a designated person may award a supplement in any case where it appears that the circumstances of the case so warrant. A thorough review is currently being undertaken on his claim. The Department will be in touch with the client this week in relation to outstanding information required.
823. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the position regarding pension entitlements under proposed new rules (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38735/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
There is an important context to the proposed changes to State pension provision. Given the scale of the fiscal crisis and because spending on social protection accounts for nearly 40% of current Government expenditure, you will appreciate that savings have to be found in the social welfare system.
As social structures in Ireland are changing rapidly, the structures of our social support need to change to accommodate this and the changes to State pension have been made in the context of changing demographics and the fact that people are living longer and healthier lives.
In addition to the budgetary imperative, there is an important long-term policy context for the proposed changes to State pension, which includes gradually increasing the State pension age to 68 years and introducing changes to the pension rate bands for customers who reach pension age on and from September 2012. There are currently six people of working age for every pensioner and this ratio is expected to decrease to approximately two to one by 2050.
Therefore, the task of financing increasing pensions will fall to a diminishing share of the population.
This has obvious and significant implications in relation to the future costs of State pension provision. The period for which an average pension will be paid will be greater than the period for which a pension is paid at present. The standardisation of State pension age to age 66 is one of the measures planned which aims to increase the sustainability of the Irish pension system.
It is important in assessing any rates of payment, that we focus on the real impact of social welfare payments. In this regard, it should be noted that older people do not experience the levels of poverty that existed in the past. This can be clearly seen in a wide range of data such as the significant reduction in the ‘risk of poverty’ rate from 27.1% in 2004 to 9.6% in 2010. The consistent poverty rate over the same period also declined from 3.9% to 0.9%. If one examines deprivation rates from a gender perspective, it can be seen that in 2009, the deprivation rate of older men at 7.6% was lower than the deprivation rate of older women at 11.1%. However, in 2010 this pattern has reversed and the data now shows us that older women suffer lower rates of deprivation at 6.9% compared to 11.8% for older men.
The State pension is a very valuable benefit. Therefore, it is important to ensure that those qualifying have made a sustained contribution to the Social Insurance Fund over their working lives.
Recent changes to State pension supports the direct link between contributions made and the rate of pension received which underpins State pension policy. By aligning the rate of pension paid with the contribution made ensures that those who contribute more during a working life benefit more in retirement than those with lesser contributions. The sustainability of pensions into the future is also important given the changing demographics, the increased numbers of those over 65 and increased longevity and reduced dependency ratio.
In relation to women who leave the workplace for homemaking/caring purposes, they can, if eligible, avail of the homemakers scheme which helps to provide a higher rate of pension for those who meet the qualifying conditions.
It should be noted that women who do not qualify for a pension or are affected by the rate band change may, if their spouse is in receipt of a State pension contributory, receive a qualified adult payment at a higher rate where they satisfy a means test. A State pension non-contributory pension, which is a means tested payment, may also be payable. The Actuarial Review of the Social Insurance Fund shows that those with short contribution histories have the potential to fare better than those with full contribution histories. This is particularly helpful to women. The Fund also provides better value to women than to men.
An information campaign in relation to all of the changes to State pension has been underway since March 2012 and all information can be accessed at www.welfare.ie. My Department met with the relevant representative groups and information leaflets were disseminated to all relevant groups as part of the information campaign.
824. Deputy Tom Fleming
asked the Minister for Social Protection
her views on whether it is fair and reasonable for carer's allowance applicants to wait over 12 months to have their claims processed; her views on whether it is fair and reasonable for applicants who have given up their job to care for someone on a full time basis to have to wait over 12 months for payment; her plans to address same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38744/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
There is currently a significant backlog of claims awaiting decision in carer’s allowance. The Department is committed to delivering the best possible service to its customers. I acknowledge that the time taken to process carer's allowance claims, currently an average of 28 weeks, is not satisfactory, but I am satisfied that the Department is taking appropriate action to resolve the situation.
825. Deputy John O'Mahony
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if the twelve months a participant spends on a TÚS programme counts as eligibility for access to a community employment scheme for that person; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38747/12]
874. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if there is any scheme or programme that would allow a person (details supplied) in County Wexford to continue working on a community project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39250/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 825 and 874 together.
826. Deputy John O'Mahony
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the reason for the delay in determining the outcome of an appeal in respect of a disability allowance claimant (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38748/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 11th January 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 4th July 2012 and the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.
827. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
when an appeal in respect of invalidity pension will be determined in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38752/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 3rd September 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Social Welfare Services on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred in due course to an Appeals Officer for consideration.
828. Deputy Eric Byrne
asked the Minister for Social Protection
when a decision will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 10; if she will expedite this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38765/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I confirm that the Department is in receipt of an application for disability allowance from the above named person. On completion of the necessary investigations on all aspects of the claim a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
829. Deputy Denis Naughten
asked the Minister for Social Protection
when a decision will issue on an application for carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay in same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38767/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I confirm that the department is in receipt of an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question. The medical assessment has been completed. The application is currently with a social welfare investigative officer for a means assessment. Once the investigative officer has finalised and submitted the report a deciding officer will make a full decision. The application will be processed as quickly as possible and when a decision is made the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
830. Deputy Pat Breen
asked the Minister for Social Protection
when a decision on a carer's allowance will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38772/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I confirm that the department is in receipt of an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question. The medical assessment has been completed. The application is currently with a social welfare investigative officer for a means assessment. Once the investigative officer has completed and submitted the report a deciding officer will make a full decision. The application will be processed as quickly as possible and when a decision is made the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
832. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the current level of payment of disability allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38782/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The person concerned is in receipt of disability allowance at the maximum personal weekly rate of €188.00 plus a fuel allowance of €20.00 which is paid during the free fuel season.
833. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the current entitlement to back to school allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38786/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The person concerned has not made an application for the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance to date. The scheme remains open until the 30th of September 2012 and an application was posted to him today. The person concerned should complete the form and return it to PO Box 131 before the 30th of September 2012.
834. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if the rent supplement payment of €790 for Leixlip, County Kildare, is correct in view of the increased competition with the rental market in north Kildare; his views on whether such a level of rent supplement is realistic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38792/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. The overall aim is to provide short term assistance, and not to act as an alternative to the other social housing schemes operated by the Exchequer. There are currently over 90,000 rent supplement recipients for which the Government has provided €436 million for 2012.
835. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the options available to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who has been informed by her Department that their landlord must reduce their rent again from €800 to €725; her views on whether this rate is correct in view of the increased competition with the rental market in north Kildare; her further views on whether this level of rent supplement is realistic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38811/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The maximum rent limit for a one parent family, with two children in County Kildare is €725. Analysis shows that for Kildare, there are properties available within the maximum rent limits for rent supplement recipients. A review of this case is being undertaken and the person concerned will be informed of the outcome once the review is completed.
836. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she will outline the relationship between the rent allowance section of her Department and local authority housing departments; the new procedures that have been put in place in relation to the assessment of housing applicants seeking rent supplement from her Department; her views on whether the systems in place are adequate to enable fast and efficient processing of genuine applications for rent allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38813/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. The overall aim is to provide short term assistance, and not to act as an alternative to the other social housing schemes operated by the Exchequer. There are currently over 90,000 rent supplement recipients for which the Government has provided €436 million for 2012.
At the time of application for a rent supplement, the claimant must:·have been residing in private rented accommodation (where at the commencement of the tenancy the person could have reasonably afforded the rent and has experienced a substantial change in his or her circumstances where they are now unable to pay the rent) or accommodation for homeless persons or in an institution (or any combination of these) for a period of 183 days within the preceding 12 months of the date of claim for rent supplement, or
In all other cases, a person who wishes to apply for rent supplement will be referred, in the first instance, for an assessment of eligibility for social housing support by a housing authority. Only when the person has been assessed as being eligible for and in need of social housing support, does the person become eligible for consideration for rent supplement. There has been no recent change to these eligibility criteria.
· have an assessment of housing need carried out within the 12 months preceding the date of claim and have been deemed to be eligible for and in need of social housing support.
The timescale for determining applications is dependent, among other things, on the availability of the required information, such as details of the applicant's income, bank statements etc. In addition, some aspects of the application are inevitably time consuming and delays can occur where investigations such as home visits or third party evidence are required. Delays can also arise if the applicant is slow to respond to requests for additional information.
The provision of a prompt service is a major objective for the Department’s staff dealing with applications for rent supplement. However, this is tempered by the necessity to ensure that every case is fully investigated and that all cases are dealt with in a consistent and fair manner. I am satisfied that the Department’s staff dealing with rent supplement applications make every effort to ensure claims are processed in an efficient manner.
837. Deputy John O'Mahony
asked the Minister for Social Protection
when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a decision on an appeal for disability allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38822/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 27th August 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on the 11th September 2012 and the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.
838. Deputy Dan Neville
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if a disability allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick can be now processed without any delay. [38824/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 15th March 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 3rd July 2012 and the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.
839. Deputy Michael Moynihan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she will clarify an anomaly which has shown up on the system where a farmer has retired under the EU Commission early farm retirement scheme at the age of 55 years and was advised that participation in the scheme would cover any PRSI contributions necessary to allow them to qualify for the full contributory pension at age 66 years, but it has now transpired that there was no PRSI paid even though the pension was taxable, they now do not qualify for a full contributory pension; if she will investigate same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38833/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
Under social welfare legislation, certain payments received by way of pension are excluded from income on which PRSI is charged. As payments received under the Early Retirement Scheme are regarded as payments received by way of pension, they are not subject to PRSI.
840. Deputy Simon Harris
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she will provide details of her policy review of the domiciliary care allowance scheme; the membership of this review group; the terms of reference of the review; the number of times the review group has met; when the review group is next scheduled to meet; the way interested parties can make submissions to the review group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38847/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The review of the operation of the domiciliary care allowance scheme, announced to the house in May 2012, has commenced and is progressing according to plan.
The membership of the group under the chair, Ms. Sylda Langford, is comprised of representatives from the Department of Social Protection, other relevant Departments/public bodies, an expert with relevant experience in the area and four parent/advocacy group representatives.
The group has met on two occasions to date with the next meeting due to be held in October.
An advertisement, inviting submissions from interested parties, was published in the national press on the 20th August. In addition every recipient of DCA was written to and advised of the scheme review and afforded the opportunity to contribute to the work of the group by making a submission on any relevant issues. The closing date for receipt of submissions is 28th September.
The terms of reference for the group are as follows: 1.Examine and report on the policy objectives and legal provisions underpinning the DCA scheme;
2.Review the current administrative, medical assessment and appeals processes underpinning the scheme, including an examination of the duration of review periods for the scheme based on the medical condition of the children involved and taking account of other priority demands on the medical resources of the Department;
3.Review the Medical Guidelines and the Report of Expert Medical Group having regard to the 3 years operational experience since they were introduced;
4.Liaise with the Advisory Group on Tax and Welfare in the context of their review of DA/DCA issues and incorporate any relevant findings into the administrative arrangements for the DCA scheme;
5.In light of the foregoing, consider whether any legislative changes are required in relation to the scheme and whether the current administrative, medical assessment and appeals processes need further refinement to meet the overall policy objectives of the scheme; and
6.Make recommendations to the Minister for Social Protection by end December 2012 on the basis of these findings.
841. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
when invalidity pension will be paid in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if she will facilitate an oral hearing in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38866/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
Invalidity pension is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the contribution conditions.
842. Deputy Paschal Donohoe
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the position regarding a rent allowance application by in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38867/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
It appears from the information collected to date that the person concerned does not meet the qualifying criteria set out in the statutory regulations in relation to Rent Supplement. Some further additional information is being sought at this time.
843. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she will expedite an appeal an application for invalidity pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38880/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal, by the person concerned, was registered in that office on 13 July 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
844. Deputy Paschal Donohoe
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the reason a children's allowance payment has not been paid to a person (details attached) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38893/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
Child benefit is payable in respect of children who are ordinarily resident in the State. In the case of the person concerned payment of child benefit was suspended from September 2012 as a result of a report from the Garda National Immigration Bureau stating that the family was out of the State. In order to establish the on going entitlement to child benefit, documentary evidence is required in relation to the period spent out of the State. Correspondence issued on 04/09/2012 requesting the customer to furnish confirmation of the dates the family was absent from the State. A reminder letter will issue today. When this documentation is received, the child benefit claim will be reviewed and the person concerned will be notified accordingly.
845. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if and when one parent family payment will be paid in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38903/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The records of the Department show that no current application for a one parent family payment has been submitted by the person concerned.
846. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if and when jobseeker's allowance will be paid in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38904/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 7th August 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers have been received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office and the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer in due course who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
847. Deputy Willie O'Dea
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the total amount of money spent on printing costs by her Department on explanatory materials leaflets and so on setting out changes to social welfare benefits since December 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38911/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
My Department does not rely solely on printed material to communicate information about social welfare schemes or changes to schemes. All relevant information is published on the Department’s website www.welfare.ie and updated regularly. During 2012 specific information campaigns were undertaken to inform customers of changes to State pension (contributory), State pension (transition), widow(er)’s and surviving civil partner’s contributory pension, national fuel scheme, back to school clothing and footwear allowance and jobseeker’s benefit. These campaigns involved briefings for customer representative groups and the publication of Frequently Asked Questions, drafted in consultation with the representative groups. This information was also made available through the Citizens Information Board website and Twitter.
The Information Leaflets listed below have been printed to date in 2012.
| Booklet No. | Booklet Name | Cost (incl. VAT) |
|---|---|---|
| SW19 | Rates of Payment 2012 | €36,770.85 |
| SW132 | Partial Capacity Benefit | €395.00 |
| SW22 Total Cost of above (incl. VAT): | Family Income Supplement | €4,621.00 €41,786.85 |
| Mailshots | Cost (incl. VAT) |
|---|---|
| One-Parent Family Payment (February 2012) | €15,186.15 |
| One-Parent Family Payment (July/August 2012) | €20,515.17 |
| Total Cost of these 2 mailshots (incl. VAT): | €35,701.32 |
| Form Name | Type of Payment | Cost (incl. VAT) |
|---|---|---|
| Farm 12 Budget 2012 | Farm Assist | €317.71 (Budget related) |
| OFP (IS) 16 | One-Parent Family Payment | €258.30 (Due for periodic reprint) |
| OFP (IS) 3 | One-Parent Family Payment | €258.30 (Due for periodic reprint) |
| UP2 | Jobseeker’s Payments | Jobseeker’s Payments |
| Total Cost of these 5 forms (incl. VAT): | €4,129.48 |
848. Deputy Willie O'Dea
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the information campaign undertaken by her to inform persons affected by changes to the State contributory pension scheme that came into effect in April 2012; her future plans for an information campaign; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38913/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
On 6 April 2012, the minimum social insurance contributions required to qualify for a State pension (contributory/transition) increased from 260 contributions to 520 contributions. This change had been provided for in legislation since 1997 and has featured in all of my Department’s relevant communications, information leaflets, booklets and on the Department’s website since then. Officials of my Department held meetings in January with the customer groups representing older people to outline the changes to State pension (contributory/transition) that were being introduced this year including the increase in the minimum contribution requirement. Feedback was sought from these groups and included in an information pack that was prepared to further publicise the changes to the scheme.
The finalised information pack was published in early March on the Department’s website, www.welfare.ie and on twitter and was made available through the Citizens Information Board website www.citizensinformation.ie. It was widely circulated to customer representative groups including those representing older people, working age groups, farming groups, trade unions, employer groups, accountancy bodies etc. It was also forwarded to all members of the Oireachtas. Presentations on the introduction of these changes were also made at the Department’s regular briefings with customer representative groups and to members of the public over the course of the year.
I am satisfied that information on the introduction of the changes has been disseminated extensively. The relevant customer representative groups were consulted at an early stage, the information pack was circulated widely, including to members of the Oireachtas, and it is available on the websites of my Department and the Citizens Information Board.
849. Deputy Willie O'Dea
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the number of persons affected by the changes to the State contributory pension scheme that came into effect on 6 April 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38914/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
A number of minimum paid contributions are required to qualify for a State pension (contributory). The change introducing an increase in the minimum number of paid contributions was provided for in legislation in 1997. The first part of this measure, which increased the minimum qualifying contributions for State pension contributory from 156 to 260, was implemented by a previous government in 2002. The second part, increasing the minimum number of qualifying contributions from 260 to 520 was introduced in April 2012. Those affected from April 2012 amount to an estimated 1,200 people per annum, who will not now qualify for a State pension (contributory), but may have an entitlement to a means-tested State pension (non-contributory).
850. Deputy Willie O'Dea
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the estimated savings from the changes to the State contributory pension scheme that came into effect on 6 April 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38915/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
Because the State pension is a very valuable benefit it is important to ensure that those qualifying have made a sustained contribution to the Social Insurance Fund over their working lives. The sustainability of pensions into the future is important given the changing demographics, the increased numbers of those over 65 and increased longevity and reduced dependency ratio. That is why there have been a number of changes to State pension including the long heralded move to 520 paid contributions from April 2012 as one of the qualifying conditions for State pension. In terms of savings, based on the current levels of new claims, the savings are expected to be in the region of €6m per annum. This reflects the change in the qualifying rules with a requirement to have a minimum of 520 (ten years) paid contributions. The means tested State pension (non- contributory) will be available for those with an income need.
851. Deputy Willie O'Dea
asked the Minister for Social Protection
her plans to address concerns amongst women affected by changes to the State contributory pension that came into effect on 6 April 2012. [38916/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The sustainability of pensions into the future is important given the changing demographics, the increased numbers of those over 65 and increased longevity and reduced dependency ratio. Because the State pension is a very valuable benefit it is important to ensure that those qualifying have made a sustained contribution to the Social Insurance Fund over their working lives. That is why there have been a number of changes to State Pension, including the move to 520 paid contributions from April 2012 as one of the qualifying conditions for State pension. People who leave the workplace for homemaking/caring purposes can, if eligible, avail of the homemakers scheme which helps to provide a higher rate of pension for those who meet the qualifying conditions.
852. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the amount estimated to be spent on mortgage interest supplement in 2013. [38931/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The Estimates of Expenditure for 2013 for the Department of Social Protection, including the estimate for the mortgage interest supplement scheme, are currently under preparation and will be published at Budget time next December.
853. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the correct level of rent support in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38932/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The person concerned is in receipt of rent supplement of €283.00 per month which is currently under review. The person concerned has been requested to provide information in order to facilitate the review.
854. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she will expedite an appeal of an application for domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38945/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of summary decision. The person concerned has been notified of the Appeals Officers decision. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
855. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the position regarding rent in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [38969/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The person concerned is in receipt of Rent Supplement from April 2010. During a recent entitlement review details of earnings from part time employment came to light. This income will not disqualify the person concerned from Rent Supplement but will lead to a change in entitlement. This review is still on going as other information requested is still outstanding.
856. Deputy Tom Fleming
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she will expedite an application for carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry. [38970/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I confirm that the department is in receipt of an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question. The medical assessment has been completed and the application is awaiting examination by a deciding officer for a means assessment and a full decision. The application will be processed as quickly as possible and when a decision is made the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
857. Deputy Terence Flanagan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she is on course to target benefit fraud to the value of €625 million in 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38974/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
My Department has a target of reviewing 985,000 individual welfare claims and achieving €645m in control savings in 2012, an increase of €105m on the 2011 target. At the end of July, over €400m in control savings were reported and over 650,000 reviews had been carried out. I fully expect that my Department will achieve the 2012 control targets. It is important to remember that control savings are an estimate of the value of the various control activities across the schemes in payment. They represent an estimate of the value of prevented expenditure from control activity over a future period. Control savings are not actual monies recovered by the Department but are a good indication of the increase in social welfare expenditure that would occur without these activities taking place. These activities also have a deterrent or knock-on effect, which are not readily quantifiable in monetary terms. Control savings are used as a performance indicator for year-on-year activities.
858. Deputy Terence Flanagan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding sick pay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38975/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
There are a number of compelling reasons why the Government is considering the introduction of a scheme of statutory sick pay at this time – firstly, as a measure to help in addressing the growing deficit in the social Insurance Fund; secondly, as a measure to limit progression from short-term illness to long-term illness or disability; and thirdly, to bring Ireland into line with practices in other countries in this area. However, I am acutely conscious of the pressures facing employers in the current economic climate, and in particular, the pressures facing smaller and medium-sized enterprises, including crèche owners.
859. Deputy Terence Flanagan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if consideration will be given to the costs of private child care when means testing children's benefit on income; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38976/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
Child benefit is a universal payment that assists parents with the cost of raising children and it contributes towards alleviating child poverty. The estimated expenditure on child benefit for 2012 is around €2 billion in respect of some 1.15 million children. The Government is conscious that child benefit, as a universal payment, can be an important source of income for all families, especially during a time of recession and high unemployment. The social protection system also provides assistance to low income families with children through the payment of qualified child increases on primary social welfare payments and through the family income supplement payment. Both of these provide a level of assistance which is directly or indirectly linked with a household’s income situation.
860. Deputy Tom Fleming
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she will expedite a decision on a carer's allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry. [38979/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I confirm that the department is in receipt of an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question. The medical assessment has been completed. The application is currently with a social welfare investigative officer for a means assessment. Once the investigative officer has completed and submitted the report a deciding officer will make a full decision. The application will be processed as quickly as possible and when a decision is made the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
861. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív
asked the an Aire Coimirce Sóisialaí
cén uair a aontófar an dara scéim teanga leis an Roinn Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta; agus cén chúis atá leis an moill ar a haontú; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [39044/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
Dréachtaíodh an dara scéim Ghaeilge do mo Roinnse sa bhliain 2010. Níorbh fhéidir, áfach, teacht ar réiteach ar an dara dréachtscéim toisc nárbh fhéidir gealltanas a thabhairt go ndéanfaí seirbhís Ghaeilge a thairiscint i ngach áit a bhí ar áireamh sa chéad scéim, cé go bhfuil an Roinn tiomanta do mhéadú a dhéanamh ar líon iomlán na n-áiteanna ina bhfuil seirbhís Ghaeilge ar fáil. B'amhlaidh a bhí toisc nach raibh baill foirne a raibh Gaeilge acu ar fáil níos mó sna hoifigí i dtrácht, toisc ardú céime nó aistriú a bheith faighte acu nó iad a bheith imithe ar scor.Tá srian ar an méid is féidir le mo Roinnse a dhéanamh chun an t-easnamh sin a leigheas de dheasca rialacha státseirbhíse i dtaca le fostaíocht, ath-imlonnú, aistrithe agus arduithe céime don fhoireann. Díríodh aird na Roinne Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe ar an bhfadhb agus tuigim go bhfuil siad ag breithniú na ceiste mar chuid de lucht saothair na státseirbhíse a phleanáil. Beidh toradh an bhreithnithe sin mar chuid de dhara scéim na Roinne. Rud eile a chur leis an moill ar thabhairt chun críche na dara scéime ná gur athraigh eagraíocht agus struchtúr na Roinne ar shlite bunúsacha nuair a aistríodh baill foirne agus seirbhísí ó eagraíochtaí éagsúla eile, lena n-áirítear Feidhmeannacht na Seirbhíse Sláinte agus FÁS, go dtí an Roinn. B’éigean mórchuid oibre breise a dhéanamh ar an dara dréachtscéim dá bharr. Tá an obair sin fós ar siúl.
863. Deputy Anne Ferris
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the steps she is taking to ensure that State boards have at least 40% of each gender, as provided for in the Programme for Government; the percentage at present; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39159/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The three statutory bodies under the aegis of the Department of Social Protection are the Citizens Information Board, the Social Welfare Tribunal and the Pensions Board. In addition, the Office of the Pensions Ombudsman (which does not have a board) comes under the remit of the Department. When filling vacancies on the boards of these bodies, every effort is made to comply with the target of having at least 40% of each gender represented on a board.
The relevant legislative provisions governing the membership of the Citizens Information Board require that not less than 6 of the 15 members must be female, while not less than 6 must be male. This is 40% in each case. 42% of the current Citizens Information Board members are female, with three vacancies due to be filled.
While members of the Pensions Board are appointed by the Minister for Social Protection, there is also a requirement that the members appointed must be representative of various interests involved. For instance, appointments to the Pensions Board are subject to the conditions set out in Section 9 and the First Schedule of the Pensions Act 1990. These conditions specify that all members of the Board are appointed by the Minister for Social Protection under the provisions of the Act and must comprise representatives of trade unions, employers, consumer interests, pensioner interests, the Government, the pensions industry, member trustees and professional groups involved with pension arrangements. Within this selection process due regard has been paid to date to ensure that the target of 40% female representation on the Pensions Board is met. Currently, the gender breakdown of serving members on the Pensions Board is 47% female and 53% male.
The Social Welfare Tribunal deals with cases where entitlement to jobseeker's benefit or jobseeker's allowance is refused due to an involvement in a trade dispute and where claimants feel that they have been unreasonably deprived of employment because their employer has refused or failed to follow the negotiating machinery available for settling disputes. The Tribunal comprises a chairperson and four ordinary members who are representative of employees and employers. Accordingly, two of the members are nominated by ICTU and the other two members are nominated by IBEC.
When seeking nominations for the ordinary members of the Tribunal from both ICTU and IBEC every effort is made to ensure that the nominations adhere to the Government's gender balance policy. The current Tribunal has one female member (20%).
864. Deputy Paschal Donohoe
asked the Minister for Social Protection
her plans in order to reform the sick certificate system and cut out the amount of defrauding of the system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39171/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The illness benefit system involves Medical Certifiers who are responsible for the certification of illness in relation to customers. Medical certifiers, who are in the main general practitioners or hospital doctors, enter into a contract with the Department that requires them to medically examine persons claiming illness or injury benefit and to certify as accurately as possible the specific disease or ailment that renders a person incapable of work. The contract requires them to refuse to issue a medical certificate if the person’s condition does not justify it. The terms of the GPs’ contract with the Department specifies that if a medical certifier fails to abide by the terms of the agreement, financial penalties may be applied, including termination of contract.
865. Deputy Paschal Donohoe
asked the Minister for Social Protection
since the introduction of the pathways to work scheme, if she will outline the number of persons on lower social welfare payments as a result of failing to cooperate with reasonable offers of education, training or employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39172/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
Penalty rates are a means of encouraging jobseekers to engage with activation measures, including the National Employment Action Plan (EAP). A penalty rate may be imposed where the customer fails, without good cause, to engage in activation, including within the EAP process. Since the application of penalties for jobseekers became operational at the end of May 2011, some 1,332 penalty rates were applied to 7 September 2012.
866. Deputy Willie O'Dea
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the amount paid retrospectively in 2009, 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012 for claims of jobseeker's allowance and one parent family payment which were originally rejected but were then subject to a successful appeal. [39205/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The information requested by the Deputy is not available.
867. Deputy Willie O'Dea
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she will outline in tabular form the total number of jobseeker's allowance and one-parent family payment applications, rejections, appeals and subsequent rejection or acceptance of the appeal in 2009 ,2010, 2011 and 2012 to date. [39206/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The information requested by the Deputy is attached.
Tabular statement
Jobseekers Allowance | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Claims Registered | Claims Disallowed | Appeals Lodged | Appeals Allowed | Appeals Partly Allowed | Revised Deciding Officer’s Decision | Appeals Disallowed | |
| 2009 | 273,653 | 23,681 | 6,794 | 780 | 230 | 756 | 2,072 |
| 2010 | 263,942 | 27,884 | 9,488 | 855 | 299 | 1,259 | 5,275 |
| 2011 | 239,667 | 23,017 | 6,869 | 1,820 | 497 | 1,041 | 5,342 |
| (ytd Aug 2012) | 152,045 | 13,433 | 4,413 | 709 | 219 | 256 | 1,853 |
One-Parent Family Payment | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Claims Registered | Claims Disallowed | Appeals Lodged | Appeals Allowed | Appeals Partly Allowed | Revised Deciding Officer’s Decision | Appeals Disallowed | |
| 2009 | 18,769 | 1,907 | 810 | 102 | 20 | 202 | 324 |
| 2010 | 17,325 | 2,036 | 1,085 | 74 | 23 | 219 | 371 |
| 2011 | 16,943 | 2,032 | 1,079 | 231 | 66 | 230 | 617 |
| (ytd Aug 2012) | 9,721 | 1,087 | 654 | 107 | 44 | 137 | 262 |
868. Deputy Paudie Coffey
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the number of new photo ID cards that have been issued to persons who are in receipt of social protection payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39210/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The Department of Social Protection has developed, in conjunction with a number of other Government Departments, a rules based standard for establishing and authenticating an individual’s identity for the purposes of access to public services. This programme of work, which is known as the Standard Authentication Framework Environment or SAFE for short, also provided for the introduction of a Public Services Card (PSC) to enable individuals to gain access to public services more efficiently and with a minimum of duplication of effort, while at the same time preserving their privacy to the maximum extent possible. A PSC is currently issued following a “face-to-face” registration process which involves the capture of an individual’s photograph and signature and the verification of identity data already held by the Department.
869. Deputy Paudie Coffey
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the number of social welfare offices that have been fitted with the technology in order to process the data on the new photo ID cards; if she will provide a list of these offices in a tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39211/12]
870. Deputy Paudie Coffey
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she will provide in tabular form, the number of persons in each social welfare office that have been found to have been making fraudulent claims as a result of the new photo ID cards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39212/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 869 and 870 together.
In conjunction with a number of other Government Departments, my Department has developed a Public Services Card (PSC) under the Standard Authentication Framework Environment (SAFE) Programme, the main objective being to develop a common standard across public services for establishing and authenticating identity. The rollout of the Public Services Card has recently commenced and SAFE registration facilities are currently being implemented across the Department. To date, SAFE registration stations have been installed in 29 offices nationally. The details are set out in the tabular sheet attached. Some 25,000 PSCs have been issued to clients of the Department, mostly jobseeker clients who are the first cohort of DSP customers to use the PSC.
The registration process is being built into the standard claim taking process for a number of schemes and in addition, some clients with existing claims are being invited to register. Over time, client groups for SAFE registration will be expanded to encompass all DSP scheme clients, clients of other public sector organisations, and across the general population of Ireland. The establishment of client identity has always been a vital part of the Department’s claim processes and any issues that arise in relation to identity are fully investigated in establishing entitlement to social welfare services.
While figures on the number of SAFE registrations directly linked with incidences of fraudulent claiming are not readily available to date, it is important to point out that considerable emphasis is being placed on the introduction of the card as a strategic fraud prevention and detection tool. There are a number of areas where fraud prevention and detection will be enhanced through PSC roll-out and these are set out below:· Identity fraud:
(See Tabular information attached)
· Payment Instrument: o Combating and preventing the use of dual or multiple identities to fraudulently claim social welfare payments.
o Preventing the use of a false or duplicate identity to engage in concurrent working and claiming.
· Non-residency: o Preventing and assisting in detecting identity fraud or false encashment at post offices.
o Preventing and detecting incidences of non-residency from the State. The card will be a more secure payment token than existing Social Services Card and for Post Office payments, it will help mitigate this problem.
| For Written PQ 39211-112 18 Sept 2012 | DSP Region |
|---|---|
| King's Inn Street Local Office | Dublin Central |
| Tullamore PPSN | Midlands South |
| Sligo PPSN | North West |
| Arklow Local Office | Mid Leinster |
| Kings Inn Street PPSN | Dublin Central |
| Coolock Local Office | Dublin North |
| Dun Laoghaire Local Office | Dublin South |
| Ballyfermot Local Office | Dublin South |
| Finglas LO | Dublin North |
| Navan Road LO | Dublin North |
| Ballymun Local Office | Dublin North |
| Bishop Square LO | Dublin Central |
| Kilkenny PPSN | Midlands South |
| Killarney Local Office | South West |
| Newcastlewest Local Office | Mid West |
| Ennis PPSN | Mid West |
| Buncrana LO | North West |
| Letterkenny PPSN | North West |
| Letterkenny PSC Centre (Decentralised Office) * | North West |
| Athlone PPSN | Midlands North |
| Castlebar PPSN | Western |
| Gandon House PSC Centre (pilot) | Dublin Central |
| Tralee PPSN | South West |
| Longford PPSN | Midlands North |
| Clonmel PPSN | Midlands South |
| Dundalk PPSN | North East |
| Wexford Local Office | South East |
| Waterford PPSN | South East |
| Carrick-on-Shannon Local Office | North West |
871. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin. [39219/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
Having reviewed the circumstances of this case I can confirm that the person concerned is in receipt of the maximum rate of State pension (non-contributory) of €219.00 per week along with Living Alone Allowance of €7.70 per week and Fuel Allowance (during the fuel season) of €20 per week. I can also confirm that the Department has been served with a Court order which it is legally obliged to comply with. Therefore, any meaningful review of the person’s circumstances would appear to be a matter for the Court that made the order in this case.
872. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she will ensure that an urgent review is carried in the case of an application for carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39226/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
This application for carer’s allowance was disallowed on 23/06/12. A request for review was made by the person in question. That review has been completed. The decision that full time care and attention is not being supplied in this case remains unchanged. She was notified of this decision, the reasons for it and of her right of appeal in a letter that issued 12/09/12.
873. Deputy Pat Deering
asked the Minister for Social Protection
when a decision on an application for carer's allowance will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow. [39231/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I confirm that the department is in receipt of an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question. The medical assessment has been completed and the application is awaiting examination by a deciding officer for a means assessment and a full decision. The application will be processed as quickly as possible and when a decision is made the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
Question No. 874 answered with Question No. 825.
875. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett
asked the Minister for Social Protection
with regard to the Tús - Community Work Placement Initiative, the number of letters of invitation that have been issued to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39270/12]
876. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the percentage of recipients that responded positively to the letters of invitation to participate in the Tús scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39271/12]
877. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the percentage that gave good cause for non-participation in the Tús - Community Work Placement Initiative; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39272/12]
878. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she will clarify what constitutes good cause as per letter of invitation for not attending the interview to take part in Tús; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39273/12]
879. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the number of recipients that did not reply to the letter of invitation to participate in the Tús - Community Work Placement Initiative; and of these, the number that signed-off jobseeker's; and, the number that have been referred on to her Department for follow-up action. [39274/12]
880. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett
asked the Minister for Social Protection
of those who have completed the Tús – Community Work Placement Initiative, the percentage that entered employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39275/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 875 to 880, inclusive, together.
881. Deputy Denis Naughten
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the number of new applications made for family income supplement in the past available 12 month period; the corresponding figure for renewal decisions; the number of renewal applications refused, granted with reduced rate, granted with existing rate, granted with increased rate; the plans if any to allow persons to remain on their existing rate until a determination is made on their renewal application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39278/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The statistics requested covering the period from September 2011 to August 2012 are as follows:
| New applications received: | 22,097 |
|---|---|
| Renewal applications received: | 30,366 |
| Renewal applications refused: | 2,231 |
| Renewal applications awarded with reduced rate | 4810 |
|---|---|
| Renewal applications awarded with increased rate | 3070 |
| Renewal applications awarded with an unchanged rate | 888 |
882. Deputy Pat Deering
asked the Minister for Social Protection
when a decision on an application for carer's allowance will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow. [39295/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I confirm that the department is in receipt of an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question. The medical assessment has been completed and the application is awaiting examination by a deciding officer for a means assessment and a full decision. The application will be processed as quickly as possible and when a decision is made the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
884. Deputy Pat Deering
asked the Minister for Social Protection
when a decision on an application for carer's allowance will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow. [39297/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I confirm that the department is in receipt of an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question. Further medical information and other information sought by the deciding officer has been received from the person in question. The additional medical evidence has been referred to a medical assessor for assessment and opinion.
885. Deputy Pat Deering
asked the Minister for Social Protection
when a decision on a review of domiciliary care will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow. [39298/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
An application for domiciliary care allowance (DCA) was received on the 29th March 2012. This application was referred to one of the Department’s Medical Assessors who found that the child was not medically eligible for DCA. A letter issued on the 10th May 2012 refusing the allowance. The person concerned subsequently lodged an appeal against this decision.
887. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she will review the impact of the sharp reduction in the rent support in areas in which local demand for rent accommodation is high and local authority housing application waiting lists are excessive in view of the lack of a proper public housing construction programme over the last ten years; if she recognises the need to vary rent support to meet the requirements of applicants for rent support on local authority housing lists; if she will consider local regional loans for the determination of maximum rents as opposed to the country wide structures currently in existence which are perfectly adequate in areas with available rent accommodation but cause unnecessary hardship to applicants in areas affected by a lack of adequate rented accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39306/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. The overall aim is to provide short term assistance, and not to act as an alternative to the other social housing schemes operated by the Exchequer. There are currently over 90,000 rent supplement recipients for which the Government has provided €436 million for 2012.
888. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the number of accountants that have been selected to participate in the Free Independent Financial Advice for borrowers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39363/12]
889. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the geographical spread of the Free Independent Financial Advisors for borrowers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39364/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 888 and 889 together.
The Interdepartmental Mortgage Arrears Working Group (referred to as the Keane group) recommended that an independent mortgage support and advice service be established to advise mortgage holders in arrears or pre-arrears in assessing their options.
A Working Group chaired by my Department, examined the issues relating to the establishment of such a service. The Working Group recommended a three phased approach to the provision of information and advice to assist people in mortgage distress. The approach differentiates between mortgage information and mortgage advice. The first two phases, the development of a website www.keepingyourhome.ie and the establishment of a Mortgage Arrears Information Helpline, address the provision of information.
The third element of the service is the provision of independent financial advice to mortgage holders at the point where a lender presents a borrower with long term forbearance proposals relating to a mortgage secured on the borrower’s primary residence.
At that point, the lender will advise the borrower to take independent financial advice on the proposed arrangement and that, if the borrower wishes to avail of the option, that the lender will pay €250 (plus VAT where applicable) to an accountant for the provision of specified independent financial advice directly to the borrower.
The specified advice will be provided by a panel of participating accountants, from the main accountancy bodies. The accountancy bodies have already notified their members about the new service with a view to having the panel in place before the end of September. It is expected that there could be in the region of 1,000 accountants participating in the service.
The panel will be available on a county by county basis and the details will be available on the Citizens Information Board website www.keepingyourhome.ie.
890. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the number of State bodies that have been set up since 9 March 2011; the rationale behind these decisions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40001/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
No State Body has been set up under the aegis of the Department of Social Protection since 9 March 2011.
891. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she will provide a list of the payments made by the State to private land owners in 2010 and 2011 to acquire land for use in the public capital programme. [40014/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
Responsibility for the acquisition of office accommodation for my Department rests with the Office of Public Works. Accordingly, my Department was not involved in making payments to private landowners to acquire land for use in the public capital programme in 2010 or 2011.
Question No. 892 answered with Question No. 671.
893. Deputy Gerald Nash
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the number of appointments that have been made to positions available on the boards of semi-State companies and statutory agencies following public advertisement; if she will provide details of the names of persons who have been appointed under this initiative and the agencies on which they now sit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40038/12]
882. Deputy Pat Deering
asked the Minister for Social Protection
when a decision on an application for carer's allowance will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow. [39295/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I confirm that the department is in receipt of an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question. The medical assessment has been completed and the application is awaiting examination by a deciding officer for a means assessment and a full decision. The application will be processed as quickly as possible and when a decision is made the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
884. Deputy Pat Deering
asked the Minister for Social Protection
when a decision on an application for carer's allowance will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow. [39297/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I confirm that the department is in receipt of an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question. Further medical information and other information sought by the deciding officer has been received from the person in question. The additional medical evidence has been referred to a medical assessor for assessment and opinion.
885. Deputy Pat Deering
asked the Minister for Social Protection
when a decision on a review of domiciliary care will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow. [39298/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
An application for domiciliary care allowance (DCA) was received on the 29th March 2012. This application was referred to one of the Department’s Medical Assessors who found that the child was not medically eligible for DCA. A letter issued on the 10th May 2012 refusing the allowance. The person concerned subsequently lodged an appeal against this decision.
887. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she will review the impact of the sharp reduction in the rent support in areas in which local demand for rent accommodation is high and local authority housing application waiting lists are excessive in view of the lack of a proper public housing construction programme over the last ten years; if she recognises the need to vary rent support to meet the requirements of applicants for rent support on local authority housing lists; if she will consider local regional loans for the determination of maximum rents as opposed to the country wide structures currently in existence which are perfectly adequate in areas with available rent accommodation but cause unnecessary hardship to applicants in areas affected by a lack of adequate rented accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39306/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. The overall aim is to provide short term assistance, and not to act as an alternative to the other social housing schemes operated by the Exchequer. There are currently over 90,000 rent supplement recipients for which the Government has provided €436 million for 2012.
888. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the number of accountants that have been selected to participate in the Free Independent Financial Advice for borrowers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39363/12]
889. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the geographical spread of the Free Independent Financial Advisors for borrowers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39364/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 888 and 889 together.
The Interdepartmental Mortgage Arrears Working Group (referred to as the Keane group) recommended that an independent mortgage support and advice service be established to advise mortgage holders in arrears or pre-arrears in assessing their options.
A Working Group chaired by my Department, examined the issues relating to the establishment of such a service. The Working Group recommended a three phased approach to the provision of information and advice to assist people in mortgage distress. The approach differentiates between mortgage information and mortgage advice. The first two phases, the development of a website www.keepingyourhome.ie and the establishment of a Mortgage Arrears Information Helpline, address the provision of information.
The third element of the service is the provision of independent financial advice to mortgage holders at the point where a lender presents a borrower with long term forbearance proposals relating to a mortgage secured on the borrower’s primary residence.
At that point, the lender will advise the borrower to take independent financial advice on the proposed arrangement and that, if the borrower wishes to avail of the option, that the lender will pay €250 (plus VAT where applicable) to an accountant for the provision of specified independent financial advice directly to the borrower.
The specified advice will be provided by a panel of participating accountants, from the main accountancy bodies. The accountancy bodies have already notified their members about the new service with a view to having the panel in place before the end of September. It is expected that there could be in the region of 1,000 accountants participating in the service.
The panel will be available on a county by county basis and the details will be available on the Citizens Information Board website www.keepingyourhome.ie.
890. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the number of State bodies that have been set up since 9 March 2011; the rationale behind these decisions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40001/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
No State Body has been set up under the aegis of the Department of Social Protection since 9 March 2011.
891. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Social Protection
if she will provide a list of the payments made by the State to private land owners in 2010 and 2011 to acquire land for use in the public capital programme. [40014/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
Responsibility for the acquisition of office accommodation for my Department rests with the Office of Public Works. Accordingly, my Department was not involved in making payments to private landowners to acquire land for use in the public capital programme in 2010 or 2011.
Question No. 892 answered with Question No. 671.
893. Deputy Gerald Nash
asked the Minister for Social Protection
the number of appointments that have been made to positions available on the boards of semi-State companies and statutory agencies following public advertisement; if she will provide details of the names of persons who have been appointed under this initiative and the agencies on which they now sit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40038/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton):
The three statutory bodies under the aegis of the Department of Social Protection are the Citizens Information Board, the Pensions Board and the Social Welfare Tribunal. In addition, the Office of the Pensions Ombudsman (which does not have a board) comes under the remit of the Department.
Citizens Information Board
I have made two appointments to the Citizens Information Board since coming into office.
Mr. Eugene McErlean was appointed with effect from 7 September 2011. This followed a public request for expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced individuals announced in July 2011. On foot of this request, 172 applications were received and his appointment was made following a rigorous selection process in accordance with the legislation governing appointments to such a board.
On 1 November 2011, I appointed Ms. Fiona Ward as the Department’s representative on the board. That vacancy, of course, was not publically advertised.
There are currently three vacancies on the Citizens Information Board, one of which is a staff representative of the Board.
Pensions Board
I have made no appointments to the Pensions Board since coming into office. There are currently two vacancies on the Pensions Board. No decision has been made on advertising these vacancies, pending the completion of the Critical Review of the amalgamation of the regulatory function of the Pensions Board with the Financial Regulator, under the Public Service Reform programme.
Social Welfare Tribunal
While the Social Welfare Tribunal is neither a semi-State company nor a statutory agency, it is a statutory body operating under the aegis of the Department of Social Protection and therefore the information provided below may be of interest to the Deputy. The Tribunal consists of a Chairperson and four ordinary members, two on the nomination of Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) and two nominated by Irish Business and Employers’ Confederation (IBEC). The Tribunal deals with entitlement to Jobseeker's Benefit or Jobseeker's Allowance in cases where a claim is refused because it is considered to be connected to a trade dispute. For that reason, the Tribunal is made up of individuals deemed to be representative of employers and employees, nominated by ICTU and IBEC, and accordingly vacancies are not advertised. One of the ICTU members of the Tribunal resigned in 2011 and on the nomination of ICTU, a replacement member, Ms. Chris Rowland, was appointed commencing 24 October 2011.
894. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht
the funding available to Udaras na Gaeilge for employment grants in 2011 and 2012; if this has changed since the budget; if the conditions have changed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37389/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Dinny McGinley):
Údarás na Gaeltachta’s capital allocations from the Exchequer, which is used for enterprise development and employment creation, were €6m and €5.938m in 2011 and 2012 respectively. Both figures were published in the Book of Estimates for the relevant years and remain unchanged. Údarás na Gaeltachta supplements its Exchequer capital allocation with income generated from investments and from the sale of assets. €3.17m was available from these sources in 2011 and €5m is expected to be available in 2012.
895. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht
the progress made on the National Plan for raised bogs and when this plan will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38648/12]
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan):
My Department has prepared an outline document detailing the proposed approach to the development of the National Raised Bog SAC Management Plan. This draft document was presented to the Peatlands Council and the European Commission, and, following this consultation, feedback has now been incorporated into the proposed approach. The document is available on my Department’s website at www.npws.ie
The proposals made earlier this year at the Peatlands Forum identified relocation as a viable proposition for the majority of our raised bog SACs and the primary focus of the national plan is to develop a long-term conservation approach to each of the sites and relocation options for those who wish to continue turf-cutting.
While the plan holds out the possibility of finding solutions for even the most difficult of cases, it must be comprehensive and address each of the 53 sites. Its completion is, therefore, dependent on the engagement of turf-cutters on each of the SACs where turf-cutting has been undertaken in recent years.
When the European Commission and the Government agreed to a National SAC Management Plan approach in April this year, I urged at that time that, for the plan to be a success and to ensure that there was space to concentrate on those bogs where finding alternative solutions was particularly difficult, all those with an interest in the plan’s success should ensure that cutting would not take place this year. However, the breaches that have occurred on a minority of the SAC raised bogs of the requirement not to cut turf have diverted limited resources into enforcement activities and added additional complexity to the process of completing the plan.
Nonetheless, I am determined that, in collaboration with the Peatlands Council, substantial progress will be made on the plan over the coming year. In this regard, my Department will now be stepping up contact with turf-cutting groups to seek long-term resolutions to the issues for their particular bogs, in compliance with EU and national law. In addition, my Department will shortly be seeking tenders for the carrying out the scientific research work which is essential to underpin the plan.
896. Deputy Dan Neville
asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht
the position regarding an application for assistance provisions of the local authority conservation grant scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and when payment will issue from his Department in view of the fact that the application has been deemed to be successful. [38714/12]
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan):
From 2003 to 2010, my Department provided funding under the Local Authority Conservation Grants Scheme for the conservation of structures protected under the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2010. The scheme was administered by the local authorities and operated on an annual basis, subject to Exchequer funding being available. It was a matter for each local authority to assess and prioritise applications under the scheme.
In 2010 my Department provided €185,500 in funding to Limerick County Council under the Local Authority Conservation Grants Scheme . I understand that €7,000 of this amount was provided for the preparation of a conservation study relating to the case referred to by the Deputy.
In 2011, due to budgetary constraints, the Local Authority Conservation Grants Scheme was replaced by a more limited Structures at Risk Fund to assist with works to those protected structures deemed most at risk. This fund is also being administered by local authorities.
The allocation for this fund in 2012 is fully committed with 27 local authorities having been issued with, and accepted, grant offers for a total of 41 projects under the fund. I am advised there is no record of an application for the case referred to by the Deputy being submitted to my Department by Limerick County Council under the Structures at Risk Fund in 2011 or 2012. In these circumstances, the Deputy may wish to make further queries directly with Limerick County Council.
897. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton
asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht
if he will consider making experts from the National Library or National Archives available to community organisations seeking to organise genealogy events in their locality. [38828/12]
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan):
I am advised that neither the National Archives nor the National Library are in a position to make such services available.
898. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív
asked the an Aire Ealaíon; Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta
cén dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir le huasghrádú agus forbairt a dhéanamh ar Ché Inis Oírr, cén uair a bhfuil súil aige go dtosóidh an obair ar an gcé; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [39048/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Dinny McGinley):
Tuigtear do mo Roinn go bhfuil cead pleanála agus ceadúnas forchladaigh faighte ag Comhairle Contae na Gaillimhe d’fhorbairt na cé atá luaite ag an Teachta. Tuigtear do mo Roinn fosta nach bhfuil sé beartaithe dul chun tairisceana sa ghearrthéarma toisc nach bhfuil na hacmhainní ar fáil faoi láthair chun dul i mbun na forbartha.
899. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl
asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht
if he has carried out an analysis on the impact on jobs of removing the jobs role from Údarás; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36977/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Dinny McGinley):
At the outset, I should point out to the Deputy that its enterprise development function has not been removed from Údarás na Gaeltachta. On the contrary, in light of the organisation’s expertise with regard to the economic development of the Gaeltacht, the Government decided on 31 May 2011 that Údarás na Gaeltachta should retain its current functions, including its enterprise functions, subject to:statutory provision being made to enable the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to direct Údarás na Gaeltachta to focus its limited resources towards specific enterprise sectors; and
The Gaeltacht Act 2012, which was enacted on 25 July 2012, includes the statutory provision referred to above. In addition, officials from my Department have been working closely with their counterparts in the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the relevant State development agencies with a view to devising an appropriate mechanism for co-operation between Enterprise Ireland, the IDA and Údarás na Gaeltachta. (b)the development of a mechanism to facilitate Údarás na Gaeltachta to co-operate with other enterprise development agencies, particularly with regard to significant Gaeltacht projects with high potential.
900. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl
asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht
in view of the fact that protected bogs are being cut by turf cutters, if he has had any success in securing a 12 month extension in the derogation from the EC on these bogs; if he will provide an update regarding the talks with the EC on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36978/12]
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan):
In January 2011, legal proceedings were commenced by the European Commission against Ireland in regard to the continued cutting of turf on sites nominated for designation as Special Areas of Conservation for the protection of raised bog habitat.
In its complaint, the Commission contends that there was no basis in European Law for the original 10 year derogation which the then Irish Government introduced in 1999. The extension of such a derogation, or the continuation of turf extraction from these sites outside the legal requirements of the Habitats Directive, has been clearly ruled out by the Commission, most recently in Environment Commissioner Potočnik’s response in July to European Parliamentary Questions (P-006637/2012) put down by Ms Mairéad McGuinness, MEP, regarding certain proposals made by the Turf Cutters and Contractors Association (TCCA). In his response, the Commissioner stated: “Further turf cutting can only legally take place if the requirements of Articles 6(3) and (4) of Directive 92/43/EEC are fully satisfied”. He also stated: "The Commission did not give TCCA, or any other party, reason to believe that such continued extraction was possible. Moreover, the Commission does not believe that the Irish authorities have the legal discretion to agree to it either."
In April of this year, the Government, in discussions with Commissioner Potočnik, succeeded in securing agreement on an approach to the preparation of a National Raised Bog SAC Management Plan. The approach has also been considered by the Peatlands Council and is outlined in a document available on my Department’s website at www.npws.ie . The Commission also made clear, in its reply referred to above, that continued peat extraction on Ireland's 53 raised bog Sites of Community Importance while a national management plan is being prepared would be contrary to the provisions of the applicable EU legislation. My Department will continue to work closely with the Commission in relation to the preparation of this plan.
901. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl
asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht
if it remains his position that he intends to take Bank of Ireland's College Green Branch into the hands of the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36980/12]
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan):
I refer the Deputies to my previous replies on this matter. As outlined in those replies, I met the Chair and Chief Executive of Bank of Ireland and had a constructive engagement on the issues.
902. Deputy Sandra McLellan
asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht
the updated figures for expenditure savings as outlined in last years budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36981/12]
903. Deputy Sandra McLellan
asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht
the figures for any potential savings in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36982/12]
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 902 and 903 together.
904. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht
the number of agencies, authorities, boards, committee s, working groups, tribunals, council services, task forces, agencies or other quangos set up by his Department since February 2011; the number abolished since then; the extra cost of quangos which were established; the savings from the abolition of quangos; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37239/12]
941. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht
the number of State bodies that have been set up since 9 March 2011; the rationale behind these decisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39992/12]
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 904 and 941 together.
No State bodies/agencies have been set up from within my Department's Vote Group since my Department was established on 2 June 2011. Deputies will be aware, however, that on foot of rationalisation measures announced in the Public Service Reform Plan on 17 November 2011, a number of bodies funded from my Department's Vote Group have been identified for amalgamations/mergers or critical review. Reports in this regard have been submitted to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and are currently being assessed. I anticipate that they will be considered by Government in due course.
As the Deputies will also be aware, the priorities set out in the Programme for Government for the rationalisation of State agencies provide that such rationalisation must be cost effective and lead to a more transparent, accountable and efficient public service. However, it is not possible at this stage to outline projected savings for each body to be rationalised.
With regard to other committees, etc, referred to in the Deputies' Questions, I am assuming that it is not intended that routine internal committees and working groups, established within my Department to support the delivery of its goals, be included. Other relevant committees, groups, etc, that have been established since 2 June 2011, are listed below.
The Peatlands Council, which was established to assist in responding in a strategic way to the provisions of the EU Habitats Directive, which require Ireland to protect and conserve important peatland habitats. Inter-Departmental Committee to examine the feasibility of the implementation of the Creative Capital Report – Building Ireland’s Audiovisual Creative Economy . Working Group to review the operation of Part IV (Architectural Heritage) of the Planning and Development Act 2000. High-Level Steering Group and the Biodiversity Working Group under the National Biodiversity Plan. Inter-Departmental Group on 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030. Ulster Canal Inter-Agency Group to examine ways to help advance the Ulster Canal Project, including reviewing the timeframe for the project.
It may be noted that a cross-representative advisory/working group set up in 2011 to consult across the arts sector and recommend actionable steps in the area of philanthropy in relation to the arts has submitted its report and is no longer in operation. No other groups of the nature referred to were abolished since the establishment of my Department.
905. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht
the estimated cost of each quango in his Department; the amount expected to be saved from the mergers of quangos in his Department; the basis for this figure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37255/12]
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan):
The State bodies/agencies currently funded from my Department's Vote Group are listed in the table below. It should be noted that Waterways Ireland and An Foras Teanga (comprising Foras na Gaeilge and the Ulster-Scots Agency) are North-South Implementation Bodies and are subject to dual arrangements in relation to funding.
Details of the expenditure allocations made available to the bodies in question are published each year in the annual Revised Estimates Volume (REV) and the Appropriation Account. The REV also includes Agency Statements, which provide details in relation to expenditure on administration and pay in the previous year. These publications are available on the website of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform at www.per.gov.ie and on the website of the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General at www.audgen.gov.ie. For ease of reference, Departmental allocations at subhead level are available at the following link http://per.gov.ie/estpubexp2012.
As the Deputy is aware, the Government announced a series of rationalisation measures in the Public Service Reform Plan on 17th November 2011. A number of amalgamations, mergers and critical reviews of bodies funded from my Department's Vote Group have been submitted to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and are currently being assessed. I anticipate that they will be considered by Government in due course.
The priorities set out in the Programme for Government for the rationalisation of State agencies provide that rationalisation must be cost effective and lead to a more transparent, accountable and efficient public service. However, as the Deputy will appreciate, it is not possible at this stage to outline projected savings for each State body to be rationalised until final decisions have been made.
TABLE: Bodies Funded from the Vote Group of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht
Body | Website Address |
|---|---|
Waterways Ireland | |
An Foras Teanga, which comprises: | |
-Foras na Gaeilge | |
-Tha Boord o Ulstèr-Scotch/The Ulster-Scots Agency | |
An Coimisinéir Teanga | |
Údarás na Gaeltachta | |
Arts Council | |
National Archives | |
Irish Manuscripts Commission | |
National Museum of Ireland | |
Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) | |
National Gallery of Ireland | |
Crawford Gallery | |
National Concert Hall | |
National Library of Ireland | |
Chester Beatty Library | |
Irish Film Board | |
Heritage Council |
906. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht
the number of new jobs created by his Department as a result of the jobs initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37271/12]
907. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht
the number of new jobs created by his Department as a result of the action plan on jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37287/12]
908. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht
the number of new jobs created by his Department as a result of Budget 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37303/12]
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 906 to 908, inclusive, together.
In relation to the Government's Action Plan for Jobs, published in February 2012, there are 11 specific actions to be undertaken by my Department and the agencies under its remit in the areas of arts, culture and creative enterprise. Together, I believe that we are working towards both the explicit and implicit objectives set for these areas. The relevant actions (under section 7 of the Plan) are set out below.
7.14 Arts, Culture and Creative Enterprise
7.14.1
Take actions as set out in the Creative Capital Report prepared by the Audiovisual Strategic Review Steering Group to double the value of the film and audiovisual sector by 2016 to over €1 billion, double employment to over 10,000 and increase cultural exports of Irish audiovisual production
| . | Steps Necessary for Delivery | Timeline | Responsible body | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Work with the audiovisual industry to grow exports | Ongoing 2012 | Irish Film Board | ||
| Undertaking a range of skills initiatives to address medium to long-term challenges for the sector | Ongoing 2012 | Irish Film Board | ||
| Leveraging investment in data centers and cloud computing to create distribution and fulfillment opportunities for the digital content industries. | Ongoing 2012 | Irish Film Board | ||
| 7.14.2 | Through Culture Ireland, maximise the business opportunities abroad for cultural and artistic businesses and enterprises by promoting Irish artists world‐wide and showcasing our strengths in culture and creativity. | Ongoing 2012 | DAHG/IDA | |
| 7.14.3 | Through Culture Ireland, undertake joint marketing activities with the enterprise development agencies to build ‘brand Ireland’ in this sector. | Ongoing 2012 | DAHG/Enterprise agencies | |
| 7.14.4 | Leverage the potential for language and roots tourism, working with Tourism Ireland, the National Archives of Ireland, Foras na Gaeilge and relevant partners. | Ongoing 2012 | DAHG/ Tourism Ireland, National Archives of Ireland / Foras na Gaeilge and relevant partners | |
| 7.14.5 | Roll‐out further cultural digitization initiatives, in partnership with the private sector, in order the leverage our unique cultural offerings and bring them to a wider international audience. | Ongoing 2012 | DAHG | |
| 7.14.6 | Through the Arts Council, support over 50 venues, approximately 200 festivals and 400 arts organisations in 2012, supporting employment in communities across the country, both directly through funding artists and organisations and indirectly in the tourism sector and the wider economy. | Ongoing 2012 | DAHG | |
| 7.14.7 | Ensure continuity in the provision of heritage services nationally through an allocation of €48m for 2012. | Ongoing 2012 | DAHG | |
| 7.14.8 | Invest in quality customer offerings through the National Cultural Institutions and regional cultural bodies and enterprises to enhance our overall tourism offering and to make Ireland a destination of cultural distinction for the cultural tourists globally. | Ongoing 2012 | DAHG | |
| 7.18.9 | Support research activities of relevance to the sector including research in the areas of digital networks, communications and radio spectrum optimization, semantic web and sensor web, big data and data analytics, and their application in sectors such as film and television, social media and publishing | Ongoing 2012 | Research funders and Prioritisation Action Group | |
909. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht
the total amount spent on taxis by his Department since February 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37319/12]
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan):
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department was established on 2 June 2011, following substantial Departmental reconfigurations. I am advised that the amount spent by my Department on taxis since that date is €19,773.
910. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht
the number of press officers in his Department; the number of press officers in each agency under his auspices; the total cost of press officers in his Department and in agencies under his auspices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37335/12]
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan):
I can advise the Deputy that there is one full-time employee dedicated to the role of Press Officer in my Department. I am advised that only one of the bodies funded from my Department's Vote Group – the Arts Council - employs a dedicated Press Officer. The combined cost of these two posts is €153,721.
911. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht
the total number of board appointees he has made since he came to office; the names, salaries and expenses of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37351/12]
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan):
The information sought by the Deputy is outlined in the table below. It should be noted that public servants listed below who are acting as chairpersons or directors of state-sponsored bodies do not receive additional remuneration for undertaking such duties. In addition, a number of board members have opted to waive their fees. In relation to the expenses claimed by members of the Boards, I am advised by the bodies listed below that any claim for travel and subsistence submitted by members of Boards is paid directly by the bodies in question and is in accordance with the rules and regulations set down by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
| State Body/Agency | Board members appointed since March 2011 | Annual Remuneration payable to Chairs and board members |
|---|---|---|
| Heritage Council | Ciara Breathnach Kieran O’Conor Ted Creedon Catherine Heaney Fidelma Mullane Michael Parsons | Chair: €8,978 Member: €5,985 |
| Arts Council | Eimear O'Connor Ciaran Walsh Mark O'Regan John Fanning | Chair: €8,978 Member: €5,985 |
| National Gallery of Ireland | Fred Krehbiel | Chair: €8,978 Member: €5,985 |
| National Concert Hall | Kieran Tobin (Chair) Dearbhla Collins John McGrane Laurie Cearr Gina Menzies Bruce Arnold Margaret Ryan Ray Bates Alma Hynes Artemis Kent Deborah Kelleher Peter McEvoy Pat Heneghan Rachel Holstead Patricia Slavin | Chair: €8,978 Nil fees to Board members |
| Crawford Art Gallery | John Bowen (Chair) Sheila Maguire Noel O'Keefe Úna Feely Jim Corr Tim Brosnan Tim Lucey | Nil fees to Board members |
| Chester Beatty Library | Patricia Donlon Declan Downey | Nil fees to Trustees |
| Irish Manuscripts Commission | James McGuire (Chair) Nicholas Canny David Dickson David Edwards Chris Flynn Greta Jones James Kelly Michael Kennedy Máire Mac Conghail John McCafferty Aileen McClintock Deirdre McMahon Donal Moore Thomas O'Connor Dáibhí Ó Cróinín Ruan O'Donnell Mary O'Dowd Jane Ohlmeyer Fiona Ross | Nil fees to Commission members |
| National Archives Advisory Council | Paul Rouse Mary McAuliffe | Nil fees to Advisory Council members |
| State Body/Agency | Board members appointed since March 2011 | Annual Remuneration payable to Chairs and board members |
|---|---|---|
| Foras na Gaeilge | Liam Ó Maolmhichíl (Chair) Eoghan Mac Cormaic (Vice Chair) Pól Callaghan Colm Cavanagh Áine Ní Chiaráin Bríd Ní Chonghóile Liam Kennedy Seosamh Mac Donnchadha Tomás Mac Eochagáin Marcus Mac Ruairi Seán Mícheál Ó Dómhnaill Dónal Ó hAiniféin Therese Ruane Tomás Sharkey Cáitríona Ní Shúilleabháin Éamonn Ó Gribín | Chair: €11,970/Stg £8,140; Vice-Chair: €9,830/Stg£6,690 Member: €7,695/Stg £5,235 |
| Ulster-Scots Agency | Tom Scott (Chair) Tony Crooks (Vice Chair) Ida Fisher William Leatham Val O’Kelly Hilary Singleton Sharon Tracey-Dunne Trevor Wilson | Chair: €11,970/Stg £8,140; Vice-Chair: €9,830/Stg£6,690 Member: €7,695/Stg £5,235 |
912. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht
if he will detail, in tabular form, the total photography costs for his Department since coming to office inclusive of costs incurred from use of the Ministerial allowance; the occasions for which photographers were booked; the photographers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion that a photographers was used; if there is a policy regarding the booking of photographers within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37367/12]
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan):
I assume that the Deputy is referring to costs arising where photographers were engaged by my Department to cover Ministerial or Departmental events.
The table below lists the occasions on which photographers were booked for such events for the period since the establishment of my Department in June 2011 to date, the photographers or photographic companies engaged, and the actual or estimated cost associated with each specific occasion. The total cost amounts to €5,617.42. This includes costs both for the booking of photographers and some general ancillary costs, such as postage, etc, where relevant.
TABLE: Cost incurred by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in relation to the engagement of photographers to cover Ministerial/Departmental events from June 2011 to date
Occasion | Photographer | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Edinburgh Festival Fringe event | Alastair Devine | €362.23 |
| Launch of Introduction of Architectural Heritage of County Galway | Joe Travers | €100 |
| Culture Night, Dublin | Maxwell Photography | €599.25 |
| 2011 National Famine Commemoration, Clones | Philip Fitzpatrick | €400 |
| 2011 Open House Dublin, Lir Theatre, in conjunction with the Irish Architecture Foundation | Alice Clancy | €0.00* |
| 2011 National Famine Conference, Dublin | Bernie McMahon (Mac Innes Photography) | €370.87 |
| Release of White-Tailed Sea Eagles, Killarney National Park | Valerie O'Sullivan | €120 |
| Launch of National Biodiversity Plan, Botanic Gardens, Dublin | Mac Innes Photography | €283.75 |
| British-Irish Council Ministerial Meeting (Minority Languages Sector), Co Donegal | Tommy Curran | €80 |
| Launch of Treaty Online Project, National Archives, Dublin | Mac Innes Photograhy | €341.83 |
| Ballycroy National Park Whaling Exhibition | Eamonn O'Boyle | €320 |
| Official Opening of Burren National Park Information Centre, Corofin | Nicholas Mac Innes | €550 |
| Association of Performing Arts Presenters Conference 2012 event | Erin Baiano | €347.89 |
| Commemoration at Teampallín Bán Famine Graveyard | Domnick Walsh Photography | €205.70 |
| Venice Architecture Biennale 2012 Dublin Launch | Photocall Photographers | €868.13 |
| Edinburgh Festival brochure 2012 | Photocall Photographers | €372.57 |
| 2012 National Famine Commemoration, Drogheda | Paul Connor Photography | €295.20 |
913. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht
if he will detail in tabular form, the total cost of providing entertainment for his Department since coming to office inclusive of costs incurred from use of the Ministerial allowance; the occasions for which entertainment was provided; the entertainers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion; if there is a policy regarding the booking of entertainers within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37439/12]
914. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht
the amount spent on food and drink by his Department; if he will provide a breakdown of what this involved; the occasions on which food and drink was provided; those present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37455/12]
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 913 and 914 together.
My Department's policy is to restrict spending on entertainment to essential expenditure only. Staff have been instructed that the strictest economy should be observed at all times in relation to entertainment and the limits as set out in Finance Circular 25/2000 must be strictly adhered to.
I am advised that since my Department was established on 2 June 2011 expenditure of €41,790.83 was incurred in providing food and drink at official receptions or launches, working lunches and international events hosted by Ireland. The provision of teas/coffees at meetings has not been included.
A breakdown of this amount is set out in the table below. Given the extensive amount of information to be examined, it has not been possible to provide the comprehensive details sought by the Deputy within the time constraints involved.
| Cost € | Description |
|---|---|
| 5,778.61 | Working lunches |
| 8,041.68 | Launches and other official events, including receptions |
| 27,970.54 | International events, including meetings and receptions for delegates, for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and the United Nations Environment Programme Agreement on the Conservation of Populations of European Bats (EUROBATS). |
915. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht
the amount spent on hair and make-up by his Department since he came to office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37471/12]
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan):
As the Deputy will be aware, the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht was established on 2 June 2011, following substantial Departmental reconfigurations. I am advised that, since that date, there is no record of any payment by my Department for the purposes referred to by the Deputy.
916. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht
the number and names of all special advisers, special press advisers, or any other type of Ministerial adviser in his Department; the name of the Minister / Minister of State to whom he reports; the salary of each advisor now; the salary of each advisor at the time they were appointed; if any salary increase was asked for; if this was granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37487/12]
921. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht
the political activities of each special adviser, special press advisers, or any other type of Ministerial adviser in his Department; if any of them were members of a political party; if so the parties to which they belonged; if any of them are or have been elected local authority members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37568/12]
943. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht
the names of special advisors for whom salary increases have been requested; the amount requested; the details of those granted increases and the amount by which they were increased [40016/12]
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 916, 921 and 943 together.
As provided for in the Guidelines on the staffing of Ministers' Offices , I have sought and received sanction for the appointment of two special advisors. Minister of State McGinley has not sought the appointment of an advisor.
I have appointed Mr. James Kenny and Mr. Damien Garvey as special advisors with effect from 7th June 2011 and 2nd April 2012 respectively. As provided for in the above mentioned Guidelines, both Mr. Kenny and Mr. Garvey have been appointed at the first point of the Principal Officer Standard Scale, of €80,051 per annum. However, as Mr. Kenny is in receipt of a public service pension, his salary has been abated to €38,215 per annum.
The restrictions under the terms of the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour on civil servants engaging in political activity do not apply to special advisors and they can engage in political activity or join political parties if they wish. These are not matters for which my special advisors would be accountable to me under their contracts of employment.
917. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht
if he will provide detail in tabular form, the names of all external public relations and consultancy persons and organisations used by his Department for the years 2011 and 2010; the amount paid to each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37503/12]
919. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht
if he will detail in tabular form, the amount paid on external public relations and communications consultants since February 2011; the reason for the payment; the name of each organisation used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37536/12]
920. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht
if he will detail in tabular form, the amount paid to consultants since February 2011; the name of each organisation used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37552/12]
923. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht
the total amount spent since February 2011 on external reports commissioned by his Department, including payments from Ministerial allowances, details of the consultants employed and costs of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37616/12]
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 917, 919, 920 and 923 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department, as currently configured, was established on 2 June 2011 and therefore the available information is being provided from that date.
With regard to external public relations, expenditure of €201,306.67 was incurred by Culture Ireland - which has responsibility for promoting Irish arts and artists overseas - from 2 June 2011 to date. The details of this expenditure are set out in Table 1 below. Other than this, there was no expenditure by my Department on external public relations and communications consultants.
I am also advised that €41,557 was spent by my Department on consultancies during this timeframe. The details of this expenditure are set out in Table 2 below. It may be noted that there was no relevant expenditure from Ministerial allowances and contracts for the provision of services are not included.
Table 1: Expenditure on External Public Relations
| Name of company | Service provided | Total amount paid since 2 June 2011 |
|---|---|---|
| Arts and Culture Network Inc | Advertising campaign for Bloomsday as part of Imagine Ireland, Culture Ireland's year-long programme of events in the USA during 2011. | €113,737 |
| Zoetrope | Press and publicity services for Imagine Ireland, Culture Ireland's year-long programme of events in the USA during 2011 and for the update of the Imagine Ireland website. | €87,569.67 |
| Name of company | Service provided | Total amount paid since 2 June 2011 |
|---|---|---|
| University of Birmingham | Research services for a Bord na Móna Peatlands Survey | €28,378 |
| Avia Solutions | Review of financial submissions relating to Aran Island PSO contract | €6,300 |
| Dr Evelyn Moorkens, Environmental Consultant | Advice on strategic approach to Margaritifera conservation | €1,929 |
| Bonnar Keenlyside | Review of Dublin Contemporary 2011 | €4,950 |
918. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht
the gross annual salary costs for his private and constituency offices at present; the same figures for this time last year; and the same figures for any Ministers of State in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37520/12]
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan):
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in tabular form hereunder:
| Office | Gross annual salary costs as at September 2011 | Gross annual salary costs as at September 2012 |
|---|---|---|
| Minister’s Private Office | €211,727 | €199,024 |
| Minister’s Constituency Office | €161,108 | €141,296 |
| Minister of State’s Private Office | €112,688 | €118,598 |
| Minister of State’s Constituency Office | €153,358 | €134,939 |
922. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht
the amount spent by his Department on drivers and Ministerial transport since February 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37584/12]
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan):
As the Deputy will be aware, the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht was established on 2 June 2011, following substantial Departmental reconfigurations. The amount spent by my Department on drivers and Ministerial transport since that date, in accordance with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform guidance on such matters, is € 294,501.35. As stated by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, the decision to discontinue the provision of State cars for Cabinet Ministers (with the exception of An Taoiseach, An Tánaiste and the Minister for Justice) has reduced the cost to the Exchequer on average by 65%.
Question No. 923 answered with Question No. 917.
924. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan
asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht
if derogations were applied to the Minister's Department in respect of (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37650/12]
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan):
My Department does not have any record of an application being made or of a derogation licence being issued in respect of the works referred to in the Deputy’s Question. In 2008, the applicable law was the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997 to 2005. These regulations were replaced in September 2011 by the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 and amendments to the Planning Acts. While it is difficult to be more explicit within the constraints of a 'details supplied' Question, I am advised that Ministerial consent was not required for the county council in question to undertake the works referred to, nor was there such a requirement for the Government body referred to, on the assumption that it was operating under its relevant legislation.
925. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht
if he will supply a list of all Labour Court recommendations that have been issued in respect of his Department and organisations under his aegis that have not been complied with in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37747/12]
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan):
There are currently no Labour Court recommendations in respect of my Department. With regard to organisations under the aegis of my Department, the table below sets out details of relevant Labour Court recommendations that have not been complied with in full.
| Labour Court Recommendation Ref. Number | Date issued | Subject | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| LCR 19615 CD/09/65 CCc-064700-08 | 18/08/2009 | Incremental Credit | It has been determined that none of the claimants are eligible for incremental credit and this has been advised to the staff union who are representing the grade in question. |
| LCR 19607 CD/09/403 CCc-076897-09 | 30/07/2009 | Head and Senior Attendants | It is not possible to implement the recommendation as it has been determined that the claim is a cost-increasing one and not therefore allowable under the Croke Park Agreement. |
| LCR 19585 CD/09/372 CCc-074837 | 13/07/2009 | Security Duties | There were four recommendations associated with this Labour Court case, three of which have been implemented in full. The implementation of the fourth recommendation is under discussion with the relevant staff association. |
| Labour Court Recommendation Ref. Number | Date issued |
|
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LCR 19770 | 12/04/2010 | HR Issues | Implementation of the recommendation that a vacancy in the Human Resources (HR) Department be filled is constrained by the current moratorium on recruitment and promotions. | |
| LCR 19770a | 07/03/2011 | HR issues | A recommendation that an assessor be appointed to investigate issues around the role of the HR Department and HR practices within the organisation was not acceptable to the management side and has not been implemented. | |
926. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív
asked the an Aire Ealaíon; Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta
cén fáth nach raibh cruinniú ann den Choiste Monatóireachta do na seirbhísí farantóireachta chuig Oileáin Árann le sé mhí anuas; cén uair a bheidh an chéad chruinniú eile den choiste ann; agus an bhfuil sé i gceist go mbeidh cruinniú gach sé mhí ann as seo amach. [37777/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Dinny McGinley):
Bhí cruinniú ag an gcoiste monatóireachta do sheirbhísí iompair chuig na hOileáin Árann leis an Roinn ar 3 Feabhra 2012 agus arís ar 7 Meán Fómhair 2012. Níl dáta deimhnithe don chéad chruinniú eile ach tá sé i gceist go mbeidh cruinniú den choiste monatóireachta ann ar a laghad dhá uair sa bhliain.
927. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht
the position regarding recruiting persons with a disability; the number of persons currently employed in his Department; the number of persons with a disability that have been employed since 1 January 2011 to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37831/12]
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan):
As the Deputy will be aware, the position regarding opportunities for employment in my Department is limited by the recruitment and promotion moratorium which was announced on the 27th March 2009. Notwithstanding the moratorium, the 3 per cent target for the employment of people with disabilities in the Public Service remains in place and the National Disability Authority reports on compliance with this target under Part 5 of the Disability Act 2005. The returns for my Department for 2011 show that of its 563 staff, 3.2% have a declared disability. While my Department has, therefore, reached the statutory minimum target, it will continue to look at opportunities to promote and support the employment of persons with disabilities.
Finally, the Civil and Public Service is an equal opportunities employer and all recruitment campaigns are conducted in strict compliance with the Codes of Practice set out by the Commission for Public Service Appointments. Such codes include the Code of Practice governing the External and Internal Appointments of Persons with Disabilities to Positions in the Irish Civil Service and Certain Public Bodies .
928. Deputy Pat Breen
asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht
when payment of fuel allowance will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38010/12]
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan):
The Government has put in place a compensation scheme for those affected by the cessation of turf cutting on raised bog special areas of conservation. The scheme now comprises a payment of €1,500 per year, index linked, for 15 years or, where feasible, relocation of turf cutters to non-designated bogs where they can continue to cut turf. Those wishing to relocate can avail of the financial payment or the delivery of 15 tonnes of cut turf per annum while relocation sites are identified and prepared. The costs of acquiring and preparing relocation sites will be met by the State. An additional once-off payment of €500 for qualifying turf cutters will be provided where legal agreements are signed with me, as Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.
929. Deputy Tom Fleming
asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht
if he will make funding available as a matter of urgency in respect of an arts centre (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38128/12]
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan):
Under the original ACCESS scheme 2003 to 2007, in which my Department allocated over €40m to capital infrastructure projects throughout the country, a grant of €1.01m was paid to the arts centre referred to by the Deputy. However, my Department does not operate a formal application scheme to cater for groups involved in the performance of the arts. As the Deputy is aware, primary responsibility for current funding of the arts rests with the Arts Council. Under the Arts Act 2003, the Council is independent in its decision-making processes.
930. Deputy Michael P. Kitt
asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht
if he is designating further bogs at present for 2014 including Killaclogher Bog, Monivea, Athenry, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38230/12]
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan):
In 2005 and 2006, 75 raised bog sites were designated as Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) under the Wildlife Acts. Killaclogher bog is one such site. In May 2010, the then Government decided that turf-cutting should come to an end on all raised bog NHAs, at the end of 2013. The current Programme for Government includes an undertaking to review the situation with regard to NHAs and the future of turf-cutting on such sites will be considered as part of that review. It is intended that the review will be completed prior to the commencement of the 2014 turf-cutting season. The outcomes of the review and the proposed approach to the future of turf-cutting within these sites will be discussed as part of the Government’s ongoing dialogue with the European Commission regarding compliance with EU law in this area.
931. Deputy Pat Breen
asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht
the position regarding an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38233/12]
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan):
The individual referred to in the Deputy’s Question applied to sell her interest in land in a raised bog special area of conservation under the voluntary bog purchase scheme, administered by my Department. In the light of the issues which have arisen in relation to the voluntary bog purchase scheme, I decided that applicants could, if they wished, transfer instead to the compensation scheme established by my Department for those affected by the cessation of turf cutting on raised bog special areas of conservation. This will allow applicants to retain ownership of their land holding or rights, while availing of compensation.
932. Deputy Peter Mathews
asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht
if any funding is available to a person (details supplied) who has set up a company to promote heritage sites, national monuments and architectural wonders here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38447/12]
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan):
My Department is currently developing a new element of its website, www.archaeology.ie, which will guide visitors to some of our premier national monuments, particularly those in State ownership or guardianship. This work is being carried out in co-operation with the Office of Public Works (OPW), which is responsible for the day to day maintenance of such monuments. OPW’s own website, www.heritageireland.ie, provides details of visitor services available at national monument sites. Both my Department and the OPW are also actively assisting Fáilte Ireland (which is the key driver in all matters relating to heritage tourism) with various initiatives to promote heritage tourism.
In light of the above initiatives and the adverse effects of the prevailing economic situation on my Department’s budget, I regret that I would not be in a position at present to fund any separate website development. However, the Heritage Council administers a programme of grants, including in the area of Heritage Education, Community and Outreach, under which projects such as that referred to by the Deputy may be eligible for funding and the developer of the project may wish to contact the Council in this regard.
933. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht
the amount of money spent on an annual basis on education and training of staff in 2011 and to date in 2012; the number of staff that availed of each course; if he will provide a list of the courses staff undertook and the cost of each course per person. [38479/12]
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan):
In line with the Performance Management Development System, which identifies staff training needs and skills requirements to deliver on business plans and objectives, my Department supports the career and personal development of staff through formal training courses, in-house training, attendance at relevant conferences and seminars, refund of academic fees, and reimbursement of professional membership fees. Expenditure by my Department on training and development from its establishment in June 2011 to end-2011 was €125,353. Expenditure to date in 2012 is €102,701.
The table below outlines the training and academic courses funded since the establishment of my Department, the number of staff availing of courses and the average cost per person. The diversity of these courses reflects the broad range of work undertaken by my Department. Some staff in my Department availed of in-house training or of courses run by other public bodies which accrued no direct cost to my Department and these are not included in the list below.
Course | Number of staff | Average cost per person |
|---|---|---|
| Assisting Children with Special Needs | 8 | €84 |
| Bachelor of Arts in Arts | 1 | €2,064 |
| Bachelor of Arts in Public Management | 4 | €2,820 |
| Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management | 1 | €3,000 |
| Barrister at Law Degree | 1 | €4,710 |
| Certificate in Audit Skills | 1 | €1,215 |
| Certificate in Civil Service and State Agency Studies | 2 | €950 |
| Certificate in Human Resource Practice | 2 | €2,100 |
| Certificate in Project Management | 2 | €3,063 |
| Certificate in Public Law | 2 | €780 |
| Diploma in Civil Service and State Agency Studies | 3 | €990 |
| Diploma in Environmental Management | 1 | €1,264 |
| Diploma in Field Ecology 2011-2012 | 2 | €1,165 |
| Doctorate in Governance | 1 | €13,867 |
| Doctorate in Philosophy (Archaeology) | 1 | €6,688 |
| Doctorate in Philosophy (History and Archaeology) | 1 | €2,468 |
| Environmental Sampling | 1 | €30 |
| Health and Safety Courses | 118 | €209 |
| Interviewer Skills | 5 | €173 |
| IT Courses | 206 | €257 |
| Language Courses | 17 | €532 |
| Leadership Challenge 2011-2012 | 1 | €7,300 |
| Legislative Drafting | 1 | €4,500 |
| Master of Arts in Marketing | 1 | €5,650 |
| Master of Arts in Public Management | 1 | €2,500 |
| Master of Economic Science in Policy Analysis | 1 | €5,000 |
| Master of Science in Biology | 1 | €3,471 |
| Master of Science in Innovation Management in the Public Service | 1 | €3,320 |
| Master Class: Tools for Leadership | 1 | €140 |
| Nature Conservation Courses | 22 | €78 |
| Pensions Administration | 2 | €729 |
| Positive Communication | 3 | €108 |
| Practical Workforce Planning | 2 | €600 |
| Relevant Contracts Tax | 16 | €208 |
| Research Degree Programme in Architecture | 1 | €2,147 |
| Retirement Planning | 4 | €439 |
| Strategic Communications | 2 | €99 |
| Stress Management | 3 | €65 |
| Understanding Financial Information | 14 | €133 |
934. Deputy Sandra McLellan
asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht
the funding available for a person in Cobh, County Cork who wishes to start up an Edwardian style catering service tying in with the Titanic period in Cobh; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38812/12]
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan):
My Department does not provide funding of the nature referred to by the Deputy.
935. Deputy Dominic Hannigan
asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht
if he will outline, in tabular form, both the number and the percentage of women and men on State boards under the aegis of his Department in each of the past ten years; if he will provide the most up-to-date figures available regarding the number and percentage of women and men on State boards under the aegis of his Department in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38851/12]
939. Deputy Anne Ferris
asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht
the steps he is taking to ensure that State boards have at least 40% of each gender, as provided for in the Programme for Government; the percentage at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39147/12]
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 935 and 939 together.
Officials from my Department are in regular contact with the State bodies and agencies funded from my Department's Vote Group on matters relating to performance, governance and accountability issues. In relation to ensuring that the State boards funded from my Department's Vote Group comprise at least 40% of each gender, as provided for in the Programme for Government, my Department has systems in place to monitor progress in this regard and, where issues arise, these are followed up. It may be noted that, in a number of these boards, appointments may be other than by way of Government or Ministerial appointment. For example, appointments may be on foot of nominations by other bodies, or by way of elections, or on an ex officio basis. Clearly, such circumstances can have an influence on the gender balance of the boards in question.
My Department was established on 2 June 2011 and, accordingly, it is not feasible to provide details of board membership for each of the bodies funded from my Department's Vote Group in each of the past ten years. However, the relevant details in relation to the current membership of the boards of those bodies are set out in the tables below. Name of Body/Agency Údarás na Gaeltachta Appointed members:
Liam Ó Cuinneagáin (Chairman)
Cathy Ní Ghoill
Treasa Uí Lorcáin
Elected members:
Brian Ó Domhnaill
Connie Ní Fhatharta
Fiachra Ó Céilleachair
Ian Mac Aindriú
Seán Ó Tuairisg
Micheál Ó Scanaill
Pádraig Ó Dochartaigh
Daithí Alcorn
Gráinne Mhic Géidigh
Seán Ó Créabháin
Séamas Breathnach
Val Hanley
Cathal Seoighe
Séamus Cosaí Mac Gearailt
Breandán Mac Gearailt
Seosamh Ó Cuaig
Tadhg Ó Cuinn
20%
80%Crawford Art Gallery Re-appointed members:
John R. Bowen (Chair)
Sheila Maguire
Noel O'Keefe
Úna Feely
Jim Corr
Tim Brosnan
Tim Lucey
Kevin Lonergan
25%
75%National Library of Ireland David Harvey (Chair)
Marian Fitzgibbon
Brian Halpin
Patrick McMahon
Carol Maddock
Des Marnane
Susan Phillips
Pat Quinn
Paul Rellis
H. Paul Shovlin
Robert Spoo
36%
64%Heritage Council Conor Newman (Chair)
Caro-lynne Ferris
Brendan Dunford
Mary Keenan
Gabriel Cooney
Kealin Ireland
Henry Lyons
Gráinne Shaffrey
Ian Lumley
Helen O’Carroll
Ciara Breathnach
Ted Creedon
Catherine Heaney
Fidelma Mullane
Michael Parsons
Kieran O’Conor
50%
50%National Concert Hall Kieran Tobin (Chair)
Dearbhla Collins
John McGrane
Laurie Cearr
Gina Menzies
Bruce Arnold
Margaret Ryan
Ray Bates
Alma Hynes
Artemis Kent
Deborah Kelleher
Peter McEvoy
Pat Heneghan
Rachel Holstead
Patricia Slavin
60%
40%National Museum of Ireland John O'Mahony (Chair)
Gerard Collins
Fergus McKenna O'Hagan
Eamonn McEneaney
Eamon Stack
Eileen Jackson
Olivier Kazmierczak
Mary Sleeman
Frances Rocks
Paul Kelly
Dervilla M.X. Donnelly
Peter Woodman
Chris Nicholas
Gearóid Ó Tuathaigh
Maírín de Brún
Mary Crotty
37.5%
62.5%Irish Museum of Modern Art Eoin McGonigal (Chairman)
Eamon Delaney
Brian McMahon
Julie O’Neill
Brian Ranalow
Brendan Flynn
Rowan Gillespie
Mary McCarthy
Éimear O’Connor
33%
67%National Gallery of Ireland Olive Braiden
(Chairperson)
Tom McCarthy
(Vice-Chair)
John Mulcahy
Abdul Bulbulia
Paul O'Brien
Jackie Gallagher
Dermod Dwyer
Kathleen Watkins
Michael Cush
Fred Krehbiel
James Hanley
Martin Gale
Clare McGrath
Luke O'Connor Drury
Des McMahon
Matthew Dempsey
Martin Alphonsus (Fonsie) Mealy
18%
82%Arts Council Pat Moylan (Chair)
Aibhlín McGrann
Louise Donlon
Caroline Senior
Fiona Kearney
Colm Tóibín
Paul Johnson
Judith Woodworth
John O'Donnell
Éimear O'Connor
Ciarán Walsh
Mark O'Regan
John Fanning
54%
46%Irish Film Board James Morris (Chair)
Lesley McKimm
Tristan Orpen Lynch
Kevin Moriarty
Kirsten Sheridan
Barry Grace
Johnny Gogan
29%
71%Chester Beatty Library Thomas P. Hardiman (Chair)
Patricia Donlon
Madeline O’Sullivan
Marc Cochrane
Dermot Desmond
Joan Duff
Sean Freyne
Kathleen James-Chakraborty
Fiona A Ross
Roger Stalley
Declan Downey
45%
55%National Archives Advisory Council Peter Charleton (Chair)
Michael Dixon
Diarmuid Ferriter
Raymond Hughes
Máire Mac Conghail
Jennifer Moore
Valerie Moriarty
Jane Ohlmeyer
Carol Quinn
Raymond Refaussé
Paul Rousse
Mary McAuliffe
50%
50%Irish Manuscripts Commission James McGuire (Chair)
Nicholas Canny
David Dickson
David Edwards
Chris Flynn
Greta Jones
James Kelly
Michael Kennedy
Máire Mac Conghail
John McCafferty
Aileen McClintock
Deirdre McMahon
Donal Moore
Thomas O'Connor
Dáibhí Ó Cróinín
Ruan O'Donnell
Mary O'Dowd
Jane Ohlmeyer
Fiona Ross
37%
63%
For completeness, the table below sets out the number and percentage of women and men on the boards of Foras na Gaeilge and the Ulster-Scots Agency, which comprise An Foras Teanga, a North-South Implementation Body. Appointments to the boards of such bodies are made by the North South Ministerial Council, arising from nominations on a 50:50 basis from each jurisdiction. Name of Body/Agency Foras na Gaeilge Liam Ó Maolmhichíl (Chair)
Eoghan Mac Cormaic (Vice-Chair)
Pól Callaghan
Colm Cavanagh
Áine Ní Chiaráin
Bríd Ní Chonghoile
Liam Kennedy
Seosamh Mac Donnchadha
Tomás Mac Eochagáin
Marcus Mac Ruairí
Seán Mícheal Ó Dómhnaill
Dónal Ó hAiniféin
Therese Ruane
Tomás Sharkey
Cáitríona Ní Shúilleabháin
Éamonn Ó Gríbín
25%
75%Ulster-Scots Agency Tom Scott (Chair)
Tony Crooks (Vice-Chair)
Ida Fisher
William Leatham
Val O’Kelly
Hilary Singleton
Sharon Treacey-Dunne
Trevor Wilson
50%
50%
936. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív
asked the an Aire Ealaíon; Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta
cén uair a aontaíodh an chéad scéim teanga leis an Roinn Coimirce Sóisialaí; cén uair a bhfuil súil aige an dara scéim a aontú; cé na socruithe a bheidh ann chun a chinntiú go mbeidh na coinníollacha céanna ann maidir le hoifigigh leasa pobail ag soláthar seirbhísí trí Ghaeilge do phobal na Gaeltachta agus a bhí ann nuair a bhí an cúram seo ar Fheidhmeannacht na Seirbhíse Sláinte; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [39043/12]
937. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív
asked the an Aire Ealaíon; Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta
céard é líon na scéimeanna teanga a d'fhaomh sé gach bliain ó tháinig Acht na dTeangacha i bhfeidhm; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [39045/12]
938. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív
asked the an Aire Ealaíon; Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta
céard é líon na scéimeanna teanga a aontaíodh go dáta agus líon na scéimeanna a bhfuil a dtréimhse trí bliana caite; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [39046/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Dinny McGinley):
Tógfaidh mé Ceisteannan Uimhir 936, 937 agus 938 le chéile.
Tá seacht scéim teanga (idir céad scéimeanna agus dara scéimeanna) daingnithe agam faoi fhorálacha Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003 go dtí seo i mbliana. Ciallaíonn sé seo go bhfuil 108 céad scéim teanga san iomlán aontaithe ón uair gur tháinig an tAcht i bhfeidhm. Tá a dtréimhse trí bliana caite ag 97 de na scéimeanna sin. Anuas air sin, tá 23 dara scéim teanga aontaithe agus tá a dtréimhse trí bliana caite ag ceithre cinn dóibhsean. Ní miste a nótáil go bhfanann forálacha gach scéim teanga i bhfeidhm go dtí go n-aontaítear scéim nua.
Tá sonraí maidir leis na scéimeanna uilig atá daingnithe go dáta sa tábla leis seo. Tá na scéimeanna seo, mar aon leis na gealltanais ata tugtha ina leith, ar fáil ar shuíomh gréasáin Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga, www.coimisineir.ie.
| Bliain | Líon céad scéimeanna aontaithe | Líon dara scéimeanna aontaithe |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 1 | - |
| 2005 | 21 | - |
| 2006 | 18 | - |
| 2007 | 29 | - |
| 2008 | 16 | - |
| 2009 | 14 | 8 |
| 2010 | 6 | 10 |
| 2011 | - | 1 |
| 2012 go dáta | 3 | 4 |
| Iomlán | 108 | 23 |
Question No. 939 answered with Question No. 935.
940. Deputy Brian Walsh
asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht
the position regarding the construction of terminal buildings at airstrips on Inishbofin and near Cleggan, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39255/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Dinny McGinley):
Following receipt of planning permission, consultants retained by my Department are undertaking the next step in the process of developing terminal buildings at the airstrips referred to by the Deputy, with the tender documents for the construction phase currently being prepared.
942. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht
if he will provide a list of the payments made by the State to private land owners in 2010 and 2011 to acquire land for use in the public capital programme. [40005/12]
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan):
As the Deputy will be aware, the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht was established on 2 June 2011, following substantial Departmental reconfigurations. During the period 2 June 2011 to 31 December 2011, voted capital expenditure in respect of my Department's Voluntary Bog Purchase Scheme amounted to €44,253.65. The individual amounts spent under the scheme were:
8,867.43 | Balance and legal fees for purchase of an area of freehold title on Barroughter Bog SAC, Co Galway |
|---|---|
10,415.15 | Balance and legal fees for purchase of an area of freehold title on Mount Hevey Bog SAC, Co Meath |
14,005.15 | Balance and legal fees for purchase of an area of freehold title on Ballynafagh Bog SAC, Co Kildare |
317.43 | Contribution to legal fees for purchase of an area of freehold title on Barroughter Bog SAC, Co Galway |
317.43 | Contribution to legal fees for purchase of an area of freehold title on Girley Bog NHA, Co Meath |
476.15 | Contribution to legal fees for purchase of an area of freehold title on Barroughter Bog SAC, Co Galway |
634.87 | Contribution to legal fees for purchase of an area of freehold title on Corliskea/Trien/Cloonfelliv Bog SAC, Co Galway |
1,572.50 | Deposit for purchase of an area of freehold title on Carn Park Bog SAC, Co Westmeath |
2,067.20 | Deposit for purchase of an area of freehold title on Sharavogue Bog SAC, Co. Offaly |
2,142.50 | Deposit for purchase of an area of freehold title on Cloonmoylan Bog SAC, Co Galway |
3,437.84 | Deposit for purchase of an area of freehold title on Carn Park Bog, Co Westmeath |
Question No. 943 answered with Question No. 916.
944. Deputy Gerald Nash
asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht
the number of appointments that have been made to positions available on the boards of semi-State companies and statutory agencies following public advertisement; if he will provide details of the names of persons who have been appointed under this initiative and the agencies on which they now sit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40029/12]
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan):
The information sought by the Deputy in relation to the names of those appointed to the boards of the bodies funded from my Department's Vote Group since my appointment as Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, whose positions were publicly advertised, are set out in the table below.
| State Body/Agency | Board members appointed since March 2011 following public advertisement |
|---|---|
| Heritage Council | Ciara Breathnach Kieran O’Conor Ted Creedon Catherine Heaney Fidelma Mullane Michael Parsons |
| Arts Council | Eimear O'Connor Ciaran Walsh Mark O'Regan John Fanning |
| National Concert Hall | Kieran Tobin (Chair) Dearbhla Collins John McGrane Laurie Cearr Gina Menzies Bruce Arnold Margaret Ryan Ray Bates Alma Hynes Artemis Kent Deborah Kelleher Peter McEvoy Pat Heneghan Rachel Holstead Patricia Slavin |
| Chester Beatty Library | Patricia Donlon Declan Downey |
945. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
the measures he has implemented to improve competitiveness in relation to energy costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37404/12]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte):
I have no statutory function in the setting of energy prices, whether in the regulated or non-regulated parts of the market. Responsibility for the regulation of the electricity and gas market is a matter for the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) which is an independent statutory body. Prices in the retail electricity market are now fully deregulated and since 1 October 2011 gas residential consumers are the only segment of the electricity and gas markets where prices are regulated. Prices in the electricity market and the unregulated segments of the gas market are wholly a commercial and operational matter for the suppliers. Ireland’s electricity and gas markets, both wholesale and retail, are characterised by vigorous competition regulated by the CER.
946. Deputy Catherine Murphy
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
if his attention has been drawn to any attempt by the State to apply to the Internet Corporation for assigned names and numbers for recognition of a new generic top-level domain or multiple new gTLDs such as .IRELAND, .EIRE, .DUBLIN and so on, which may be used by Government Departments and State Agencies as part of the State's official internet presence; if not, if there are any plans in the future for such an application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38242/12]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte):
The International Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has introduced a programme for new generic Top-Level Domains (such as .com, .org, .net, etc.). The stated aim of the programme is to increase competition and choice by introducing new gTLDs into the Internet addressing system. ICANN states that any established public or private organisation that meets eligibility requirements anywhere in the world can apply to create and operate a new gTLD Registry. My Department is not aware of any such applications by the State or of any plans to do so and has no function in this regard.
947. Deputy Denis Naughten
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
his plans to reintroduce a rod licence for fishing on Lough Ree; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38708/12]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte):
I can inform the Deputy that there has been no discussion in relation to a rod licence for fishing on Lough Ree nor are there any plans for same at present.
948. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
the steps, being taken to increase non-revenue income for the State, specifically with regards to payments related to natural resources. [39207/12]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte):
Other than income from taxation and royalty payments, the principal income derived from petroleum exploration and production activities results from licence acreage rental fees, together with application fees. The aim of these fees is to encourage effective and timely exploration and to also help meet costs incurred by the Department in discharging its regulatory functions.
949. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
his views on recent figures from the European Commission that less than a quarter of computer users across the EU use cloud computing; if he has had any input into the forthcoming new policy Cloud Computing Strategy for the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39229/12]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte):
In a recent report, Quantitative Estimates of the Demand for Cloud Computing in Europe and the Likely Barriers to Take-up, prepared for the European Commission, it is stated that “More than half of EU businesses and consumers already use some kind of cloud services …. the majority of EU enterprises already use at least one or more cloud services (64% in the survey sample interviewed for the study) …. (and in their) sample of Internet users, practically all used at least one “free” cloud service”.
It is recognised that consumers generally do not have a clear perception that they are using cloud computing, but they actually do (particularly email services). The Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation established a Cloud Computing Implementation Group in 2011 and is currently preparing a report on the actions needed to exploit Cloud Computing opportunities in Ireland. My Department, together with The Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, has been contributing to the preparation of an Integrated European Cloud Computing Strategy.
950. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
the position regarding the 3 national broadband service in an area (details supplied) and the surrounding area; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the EU provided the last Government with 40 million euro towards a total allocation of €223 million to roll out a broadband service across Ireland and to date there is no worthwhile service; if this money has been spent properly, if he will ensure that Eircom will upgrade the local phone exchange and have proper phone line broadband available in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36983/12]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte):
Eircom is a private company and the enabling and upgrading of exchanges is an operational matter for that company and not one in which I have the statutory authority to intervene. The State only intervenes in market failure situations where licensed service providers have been unable to offer services on a commercial basis. The National Broadband Scheme (NBS) represents such an intervention. Following the conclusion of a technology neutral procurement process, my Department entered into a contract with Hutchison 3G Ireland Ltd (trading as “3”) in late December 2008 for the delivery of the NBS. The total cost to the Exchequer is some €80m of which an estimated €36m will be recouped from the EU.
Broadband services are available from “3”, the NBS service provider, in all of the 1,028 Electoral Divisions (ED) designated to be covered under the Scheme since October 2010. As regards the area of Carrigallen in Co Leitrim referred to by the Deputy, the EDs of Carrigallen East and Carrigallen West are covered under the Scheme. In keeping with State Aid clearance for the Scheme, the broadband service contracted under the NBS is a basic, affordable product. The NBS mobile wireless service currently offers minimum speeds of 1.6Mbps download and 1.2Mbps upload, subject to a maximum contention ratio. These speeds will be upgraded in October 2012 to 2.3mbps and 1.4mbps respectively at no cost to NBS customers.
The NBS satellite service, deployed in a limited number of cases for technical reasons associated with the location of the premises, has recently been enhanced following a competitive tendering process undertaken by 3. The new satellite service, provided by Digiweb, offers speeds of 3.6Mbps download and 384kbps upload, subject to a maximum contention ratio.
As regards service quality, the Department has well-established monitoring arrangements in place to ensure that the NBS delivers the minimum specified service or better to all users. The NBS contract guarantees service levels and imposes a service credit regime on “3”, with significant financial consequences in the event that minimum specification service levels are not met. Where NBS customers do not receive the minimum guaranteed service as set out in the terms and conditions of their contract, they are entitled to service rebates.
Any NBS customer who is experiencing problems with the NBS service can contact 3’s customer care centre 24 hours a day 7 days a week by phone at 1913 (free of charge) or by email to nbssupport@three.ie. Additionally, a team of field engineers has been established to address NBS specific service issues at customers’ premises. My Department has a role when customers have fully utilised the established complaints process and still feel that their complaint has not been resolved. It operates a dedicated NBS mailbox, which NBS customers can contact by email at nationalbroadbandscheme@dcenr.gov.ie with any comments or complaints they may have about their NBS service.
With basic broadband services available throughout Ireland, the challenge now is to accelerate the roll out of high speed services. This Government’s recently published National Broadband Plan entitled “Delivering a Connected Society – A National Broadband Plan for Ireland” aims to facilitate the provision of high speed broadband to every home and business in the State over the lifetime of the Government.
The plan has the following headline targets:
951. Deputy Michael Moynihan
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
when he expects to part - sell the ESB and Bord Gáis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36984/12]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte):
The Government has decided to dispose of Bord Gáis Éireann’s Energy business and some of ESB’s non-strategic power generation capacity as part of the State Assets disposal programme. The Government has also reiterated its commitment to retaining the electricity and gas networks as well as the two gas interconnectors in State ownership as national strategic infrastructure, critical for the delivery of secure, sustainable and competitive energy supplies.
952. Deputy Michael Moynihan
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
the number of households yet to switch over to digital television; the proportion of relevant households yet to switch; his views on whether this number will fall significantly; if he has any contingency plan in place if significant numbers do not match; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36985/12]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte):
As part of the digital switchover information campaign, Millward Brown Lansdowne carry out research on the digital television switchover. The most recent tracking study was carried out in August 2012. The findings show that 93% of Irish people are now aware of the Digital TV Switchover. In rural areas 96% of adults are now aware of the digital television switchover. Furthermore, 82% of the population are now aware that the analogue television network will be officially switched off in October 2012, compared to 66% in June.
The research also shows that 12% of homes in the country, approximately 200,000, are still using the analogue TV network for their primary TV. These households must make the switch to digital TV or they will lose their TV reception on 24 October. Households who only use pay TV platforms such as SKY and UPC will not be affected by analogue switch off. My Department’s national digital switchover public information campaign rolled out in October 2011 and provides information on what is happening, the timelines and the different choices available to upgrade to digital. This comprehensive campaign includes advertising on TV, local and national radio; an analogue marker (red x 24 October) to act as a constant reminder to everyone using the analogue service to switch to digital; research; a dedicated website – www.goingdigital.ie and national telephone helpline; and an information booklet which was delivered to every household in the Country.
To further assist people make the switch, on Monday 10th September I launched National Digital Switchover Week which will run from 17th – 23rd September. Organised by my Department in partnership with The Wheel and Irish Rural Link, the week will see 26 local Digital Outreach Champions across the country organise events in their communities to encourage those who have not yet switched to digital TV to do so.
I am confident that, by the switch off date, as a result of the national information campaign, the delivery nationwide of the digital switchover information booklet, the Outreach Programme and National Digital Switchover Week, everyone will be fully aware that the analogue network is closing down on 24th October 2012 and of their switchover options. As there are only 36 days to go before the 24 October deadline, I would urge all Deputies to engage with the Outreach Programme and Digital Switchover Week at a local level in order to urge constituents to move to digital now and not to wait until the last minute.
953. Deputy Michael Moynihan
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
his plans to publish a Green or White Paper on fracking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36987/12]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte):
In October of last year, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources requested the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct research and advise on the environmental implications of hydraulic fracturing as a means of extracting natural gas from underground reserves. On 11 May 2012, the EPA published its preliminary research into the environmental aspects of shale gas extraction in the form of a small desk based study, which was carried out by the University of Aberdeen.
954. Deputy Michael Moynihan
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties faced by many families in heating their homes in view of increasing energy prices; the average energy prices for each of gas and electricity for the years 2008-2011; the same figures now; the price increases sanctioned by the regulator in each of those years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36988/12]
989. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
his views on the impact of recently approved gas and electricity prices on families and businesses; if he was briefed by CER on the decision to approve further gas and electricity price rises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38592/12]
990. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
if he will outline each approved rise in gas and electricity prices every year since 2009; if he will state the cumulative rise in gas and electricity since 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38593/12]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 954, 989 and 990 together.
I have no statutory function in the setting of electricity and gas prices, whether in the regulated or non-regulated parts of these markets. Responsibility for the regulation of the electricity and gas markets is a matter for the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), which is an independent statutory body. Since 4 April 2011 prices in the electricity retail market have been fully deregulated. Price setting by electricity suppliers is a commercial and operational matter for the companies concerned. Business and domestic customers can now avail of the competitive offerings from a number of electricity supply companies.
With regard to gas, up until 1 October 2011 the CER has regulated the Bord Gáis Energy tariffs for its residential and smaller business customers but price regulation for the latter group ended at that point. The CER still regulates the Bord Gáis Energy tariffs for its residential customers. I have no function in the matter. The timing for complete deregulation of the residential segment of the gas market, as has taken place in the electricity market, is an issue under active review by the CER. Full deregulation leading to further competition will keep downward pressure on prices for consumers. Ireland is however a price taker for gas.
In regard to the most recent decision by the CER to apply an increase of 8.5% with effect from 1 October next, I understand that a marginal increase in wholesale international (sterling denominated) gas prices did not impact on the increase as much as the deterioration in the Euro/Sterling exchange rate and the increase in gas network tariffs. The upward pressure on gas network tariffs is primarily due to a reduction in gas demand and higher financing costs for Bord Gáis Networks, both of which are related to the financial situation in Ireland and abroad. Currency exchange trends will continue to have a significant impact, either positive or negative, on gas prices for Ireland. In making its decision, the CER takes account of the need to protect consumers from unnecessary price increases by ensuring that only reasonable legitimate costs are recovered by BGE.
The information requested in relation to CER gas tariff decisions and on the cumulative rise since 2010, is set out in the table below.
CER Decisions on BGE tariffs for residential and smaller industrial and commercial customers
| Period (includes CER Decisions following Interim Reviews) | Average % Increase/Decrease |
|---|---|
| 1 October 2012 – 30 September 2013 | +8.5% |
| 1 October 2011 – 30 September 2012 | +21.7% |
| 1 February 2011 – 30 September 2011 | 0% |
| 1 October 2010 – 31 January 2011 | 0% |
| 1 February 2010 – 30 September 2010 | -8% |
| 1 Oct 2009 -31 January 2010 | -9.8% |
| 1 May 2009 – 30 September 2009 | -12% |
| 1 Jan 2009 – 30 April 2009 | 0% |
| 1 Sept 2008 – 31 December 2008 | +20% |
| 1 Oct 2007 – 30 August 2008 | -10.6% |
| Cumulative increase from January 2010 to date | +32% |
| Period (Includes CER Decisions following Interim Reviews) | Average % Increase/Decrease |
|---|---|
| 1 October 2010 – 4 April 2011 | +4.9% |
| 1 October 2009 – 30 September 2010 | 0% |
| 1 May 2009 – 30 September 2009 | -10% |
| 1 Jan 2009 – 30 April 2009 | - 0.6% |
| 1 Aug 2008 – 31 December 2008 | +17.5% |
| 1 Nov 2007 – 31 July 2008 | -5.4% |
| Cumulative Increase from January 2010 to April 2011 | +4.9% |
955. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
the number of agencies, authorities, boards, committee s, working groups, tribunals, council services, task forces, agencies or other quangos set up by his Department since February 2011; the number abolished since then; the extra cost of quangos which were established; the savings from the abolition of quangos; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37241/12]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte):
I wish to advise the Deputy that twelve task forces, advisory groups, steering groups and project groups and committees have been established by my Department since February 2011.
956. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
the estimated cost of each quango in his Department; the amount expected to be saved from the mergers of quangos in his Department; the basis for this figure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37257/12]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte):
I can inform the Deputy that the number of Commercial State bodies and Non-Commercial State bodies, including Regulators, under the aegis of my Department, is 18. These commercial companies and other bodies are generally not quangos if the Deputy has a particular quango in mind and if it falls under the aegis of this Department, I will endeavour to answer any questions he raises.
While no bodies have been abolished or merged by my Department in 2011 or to date in 2012, my Department has reviewed the rationalisation proposals for Agencies under its aegis as set out in the Public Service Reform Plan and the issue is due for consideration by Government. I would also mention that in 2010 my Department oversaw the creation of Inland Fisheries Ireland in 2010, a single body which replaced the functions of 8 Fisheries Boards, 8 Fisheries cooperatives and the National Salmon Commission. The current expenditure allocation for IFI in 2012 is €24.7m compared to €25.2m for the various Fisheries Boards in 2010, a reduction of €o.5m.
Table
Name of Body | Status | Exchequer Funding for 2012 €000s |
|---|---|---|
| An Post Bord Gáis Éireann Bord na Móna EirGrid Electricity Supply Board (ESB) Raidió Teilifís Éireann TG4 | Commercial State Bodies | *12,457 - - - - **185,724 32,750 |
| Inland Fisheries Ireland Digital Hub Development Agency Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission (Loughs Agency) National Oil Reserves Agency Irish National Petroleum Corporation Mining Board Ordnance Survey Ireland Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland | Non-Commercial State Bodies | 28,462 3,736 2,595 - - - 8,466 8,265 |
| Broadcasting Authority of Ireland Commission for Energy Regulation Commission for Communications Regulation | Regulators | - - - |
957. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
the number of new jobs created by his Department as a result of the jobs initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37273/12]
958. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
the number of new jobs created by his Department as a result of the action plan on jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37289/12]
959. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
the number of new jobs created by his Department as a result of Budget 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37305/12]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 957 to 959, inclusive, together.
960. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
the total amount spent on taxis by his Department since February 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37321/12]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte):
My Department has a contract with a taxi company to provide taxi services at a very competitive rate. I have set out below the information for the 18 month period requested by the Deputy, as it relates to that contract.
| February 2011 to August 2012 | €17,535.70 |
| February 2011 to August 2012 | €22,537.82 |
| February 2011 to August 2012 | €40,073.52 |
961. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
the number of press officers in his Department; the number of press officers in each agency under his auspices; the total cost of press officers in his Department and in agencies under his auspices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37337/12]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte):
There is one Press Officer employed in my Department at an annual salary cost of €72,386. Information in respect of bodies and agencies under the aegis of my Department is a day to day matter for those organisations and my Department does not have the information sought by the Deputy.
962. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
the total number of board appointees he has made since he came to office; the names, salaries and expenses of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37353/12]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte):
I wish to advise the Deputy that since taking office on 9th March 2011 I have made 35 appointments to the boards of bodies under the aegis of my Department and the Minister of State, Deputy O’ Dowd, T.D., has made 10 appointments. Details of the 45 appointments are set out below together with details of the remuneration which may be paid in respect of such appointments.
The Deputy will be aware that the One Person One Salary policy introduced by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform provides that serving public sector employees are not eligible to receive remuneration in relation to their membership of boards of State bodies. The Deputy will also be aware that non-public sector board members may choose to voluntarily waive their fees as a matter of personal choice in recognition of the current difficult economic circumstances. Both of these policy initiatives of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform have been brought to the attention of the bodies under the aegis of my Department. Consequently, the remuneration details in the table below refer to fees that may be payable and are not indicative of fees actually being received by board members. The payment of board members’ expenses is an operational matter for each State body.
In addition since these appointments were made one of the members of the board of SEAI, Michael Conlon, has resigned.
TABLE
| Body | Appointee | Fee Band |
|---|---|---|
| An Post | Mr Donal Connell Mr James Wrynn Mr Paul Henry | Category 1 Chair: €31,500 Director: €15,750 |
| Bord na Móna | Ms Denise Cronin Mr. John Horgan Ms Elaine Treacy | Category 2 Chair: €21,600 Director: €12,600 |
| EirGrid | Dr Gary Healy Ms Regina Moran Mr Liam O’Halloran Ms Bride Rosney Ms Doireann Barry* | Category 2 Chair: €21,600 Director: €12,600 |
| ESB | Ms Noreen Wright Mr Seamus Mallon | Category 1 Chair: €31,500 Director: €15,750 |
| Irish National Petroleum Corporation (INPC) | Mr Sean Fitzgerald Mr Vincent Caffrey Ms Aoife MacEvilly Mr Aidan Donnelly | Category 2 Chair: €21,600 Director: €12,600 |
| National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA) | Ms Aoife MacEvilly | Category 4 Chair: €8,978 Director: €5,985 |
| TG4 | Mr. Micheál Seoighe Ms. Mairēad Ní Cheoinín Mr. Joe Connolly Mr. Des Geraghty Ms. Andrēa Ní Ēalaithe Ms Mairead Nic Suibhne Ms. Michelle Ní Chróinín Siún Ní Raghallaigh | Category 2 Chair: €21,600 Director: €12,600 |
| Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) | Ms Julie O’Neill Mr. Edgar Morgenroth Mr. Michael Conlon Ms. Anne Farrell Mr. Declan Waugh Ms. Michelle Green Mr. Brian Carroll | Category 3 Chair: €11,970 Director: €7,695 |
| Digital Hub Development Agency (DHDA) | Mr. Paul Holden Mr. Seamus Ratigan | Category 3 Chair: €11,970 Director: €7,695 |
| Ordnance Survey Ireland OSI | Mr. Ronan O’Reilly Ms. Anne Butler Mr. Robin Simpson Dr. Enda Howley Dr. Denis Keliher Ms. Marion Coy Mr. Justin Gleeson Ms Sandra Ryan Mr. Padraic Jordan Mr. Oliver Hickey | Category 3 Chair: €11,970 Director: €7,695 |
963. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
if he will detail, in tabular form, the total photography costs for his Department since coming to office inclusive of costs incurred from use of the Ministerial allowance; the occasions for which photographers were booked; the photographers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion that a photographers was used; if there is a policy regarding the booking of photographers within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37369/12]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte):
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below. The booking of photographers is managed by the Department’s Press Office in each case.
Photography Costs: Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, February 2011 - August 2012 inclusive
Company | Event Date | Occasions | Cost € |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maxwell Photography | 13/06/2011 | Government convenes Next Generation Broadband Taskforce | 340.92 |
| Maxwell Photography | 27/07/2011 | Age Action Silver Surfer Launch (pre shoot) | 274.97 |
| Maxwell Photography | 23/09/2011 | Minister Rabbitte stock photos available for widespread media use | 409.58 |
| Maxwell Photography | 24/10/2011 | Minister Rabbitte welcomes EU Commission Telecoms specialists to Dublin | 552.67 |
| Maxwell Photography | (1) 16/11/11 | Launch of Irish Anti Botnet Website (anti cyber crime initiative) | 1,052.70 |
(2) 27/11/11 | Publication of the Government’s Affordable Energy Strategy | ||
| Fennell Photography | 09/12/2011 | Cunningham Awards, Geological Survey of Ireland, University Geology Project Competition Awards | 510.75 |
| Jason Clarke Photography | 10/01/2012 | Launch of Community Outreach Campaign - Digital TV Switchover | 492.00 |
| Jason Clarke Photography | 13/01/2012 | Launch of SMS 112 Emergency Service | 492.00 |
| Jason Clarke Photography | 06/02/2012 | Nationwide rollout of high speed broadband to second level schools | 492.00 |
| Jason Clarke Photography | 01/03/2012 | Minister Rabbitte launches Digital Outreach programme | 492.00 |
| Maxwell Photography | 02/05/2012 | Next Generation Broadband Taskforce Launch | 485.85 |
| Jason Clarke Photography | 28/05/2012 | Launch of Renewable Energy Strategy Report | 492.00 |
| Jason Clarke Photography | 22/08/2012 | Conjugate Margins Conference (Petroleum) | 492.00 |
| Jason Clarke Photography | 30/08/2012 | Launch of National Broadband Plan | 492.00 |
| Total | €7,071.44 |
964. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
if he will detail in tabular form, the total cost of providing entertainment for his Department since coming to office inclusive of costs incurred from use of the Ministerial allowance; the occasions for which entertainment was provided; the entertainers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion; if there is a policy regarding the booking of entertainers within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37441/12]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte):
No entertainment has been provided for my Department since I came into office. There is no specific policy regarding the booking of entertainers but it is not intended to incur any expenditure under this heading unless the Deputy has worthwhile proposals from experience that he would like me to consider.
965. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
the amount spent on food and drink by his Department; if he will provide a breakdown of what this involved; the occasions on which food and drink was provided; those present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37457/12]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte):
My Department’s spending on official entertainment adheres to the policy set out in circular 25/2000; the strictest economy is observed and the expenditure on Irish public officials is incidental to that of other persons that the Department is required to host during the ordinary conduct of its business. Similarly in relation to meetings and conference costs, refreshments are generally only provided where delegations or external stakeholders are being hosted.
In 2011 expenditure on official entertainment was €5,364. The majority of this amount, €4,398, was related to the visit of a foreign delegation of 12 from the International Energy Agency involved in conducting a review of Ireland’s energy policy. The sum was spent on the provision of meeting facilities, incidentals, tea, coffee and meals for 5 full days and an official dinner. In addition to the official entertainment costs, approximately €13,800 from the Department’s budget for meetings and conferences was spent on refreshments (water, tea, coffee etc).
So far in 2012 my Department has spent €836 on official entertainment. Costs associated with providing refreshments at meetings and conferences have totalled approximately €6,494 to date. Given the large volume of meetings, conference and events and the public nature of some of these it is not possible to give a detailed breakdown of what was involved or who was present.
966. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
the amount spent on hair and make-up by his Department since he came to office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37473/12]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte):
My Department incurred no expenditure on hair and make-up over the period in question.
967. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
the number and names of all special advisers, special press advisers, or any other type of Ministerial adviser in his Department; the name of the Minister / Minister of State to whom he reports; the salary of each advisor now; the salary of each advisor at the time they were appointed; if any salary increase was asked for; if this was granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37489/12]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte):
There are two Special Advisers, Mr Finbarr O’Malley and Mr Simon Nugent, employed in my Department. Both were appointed by the Government, on my behalf, with effect from 28 March 2011 and 11 April 2011 respectively. My Department requested sanction from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to appoint my Special Advisers at salary rates commensurate with their previous remuneration. Sanction was granted to appoint Mr O’Malley at a salary rate of €83,337 per annum and Mr Nugent at a salary rate of €97,200 per annum. Mr O’Malley was awarded an increment on the Principal Officer Standard pay scale with effect from 28 March 2012, following one year’s satisfactory performance in the post, bringing his current salary to €86,604. This is line with the terms of his appointment. Mr Nugent’s salary has not increased as it is not linked to a pay scale and the awarding of increments does not apply in his case.
968. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
if he will provide detail in tabular form, the names of all external public relations and consultancy persons and organisations used by his Department for the years 2011 and 2010; the amount paid to each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37505/12]
970. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
if he will detail in tabular form, the amount paid on external public relations and communications consultants since February 2011; the reason for the payment; the name of each organisation used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37538/12]
971. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
if he will detail in tabular form, the amount paid to consultants since February 2011; the name of each organisation used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37554/12]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 968, 970 and 971 together.
The total amount of expenditure by my Department from its consultancy services and value for money and policy reviews budget in the years 2010 and 2011 and for the first eight months of 2012 is set out in table 1.
My Department administers a very diverse and complex brief, and procurement of specialist consultancy advice is necessary to enable the Department to discharge its responsibility in this regard. This includes major projects such as an intensive and nationwide campaign on Digital Switchover, strategic review of oil refining capability, complex telecommunications contracts such as the MANs and the National Broadband Scheme, and oversight of compliance with the Corrib consent conditions (the cost of which is recouped from the developer). In procuring these specialised services, my Department always seeks to ensure value for money and the keeping of expenditure to the minimum necessary. In this regard, the Deputy might note that expenditure from my Department’s consultancy services and value for money and policy reviews budget has reduced from €2.249m in 2008 to €1.372m in 2011.
The Department also necessarily incurs some expenditure on outsourced services as part of programme expenditure, an element of which is consultancy in nature. The overall spend for this consultancy element is set out in table 2.
My Department will continue to keep spending on all consultancies to a minimum consistent with ensuring the necessary expertise is available to discharge the Department’s wide and complex brief.
Details of expenditure on consultancy is set out in the tables below.
Table 1.
Period | 2010 | 2011 | Jan – 12 Sep 2012 |
|---|---|---|---|
Amount | €1.257m | €1.372m | €0.539m |
Period | 2010 | 2011 | Jan – 12 Sep 2012 |
|---|---|---|---|
Amount | €0.675m | €1.338m | €0.975m |
| Consultant | Purpose | Amount € |
|---|---|---|
| Communications | ||
| Norcontel (Ireland) Ltd | Supervision of testing of new ECAS system | 95,541.60 |
| PRICEWATERHOUSE COOPERS | Liberalisation of Irish Postal Services Market | 15,125.00 |
| Economic and Social Research Institute | ESRI Programme of Research in Communications | 75,000.00 |
185,666.60 | ||
| Broadcasting | ||
| Indecon | Review of designated events of public importance | 73,386.49 |
| Energy | ||
| Steelhenge Crisis and Risk consulting | Energy Emergency Arrangements (Avogadro) | 5,545.91 |
| Eric van Rongen | Report on Health Issues re HVDC Cable Technology | 3,630.75 |
| A & L Goodbody Solicitors | Legal Advice | 65,037.50 |
| IBI Corporate Finance | Financial Advice | 98,800.00 |
| Fergus B Cahill | Independent Chairman of Elec Trans Assets Analysis | 6,464.64 |
| Department of Enterprise, Trade & Investment NI | Energy Emergency Arrangements (Refund) | -1,476.27 |
176,002.53 | ||
| Natural Resources | ||
| Keane Offshore Integrity Ltd | Corrib Verification Process | 74,421.97 |
| Committee Members | Consent Conditions Monitoring Committee | 9,512.02 |
| David Fox Associates | Petroleum Engineering Support | 210,421.98 |
| Clare Morgan | Geophysicist Consultancy | 65,342.90 |
| AEA TECHNOLOGY plc | Assessing of EIS according to Section40 Apps | 5,155.35 |
| AMEC Environment & Infrastructure UK Ltd (Entec) | Assessment of Corrib Gas Pipeline | 145,204.99 |
| Environ uk ltd | 91,799.18 | |
| Mr. Ben Dhonau | Provision of Specialist Geoscience Advice | 35,723.13 |
637,581.52 | ||
| Corporate Support | ||
| KPMG | Financial Advisor to DCENR | 157,300.00 |
| Murray Consultants Ltd. | Media Services | 12,206.42 |
| Ernst & Young | Financial Advice | 12,402.50 |
| Committee Members | DCENR Audit Committee | 2,736.00 |
184,644.92 | ||
1,257,282.06 | ||
| Consultant | Purpose | Amount € |
|---|---|---|
| Subhead B1 – ICT Programmes | ||
| Mason Communications | NBS Consultancy | 95,538.96 |
| Magnum Opus | Interim MSE | 144,741.60 |
| Magnum Opus | MANs Phase 2 Project Management | 132,297.48 |
| MSE Process Management | 80,150.40 | |
452,728.44 | ||
| Subhead C5 – Grants to DTT | ||
| Behaviour & Attitudes Limited | DTT | 49,912.50 |
| Subhead E1 – Petroleum Services | ||
| Xodus Group | Strategic Environmental Assessments | 150,631.89 |
| Subhead E2 – Mining Services | ||
| (AEGIS MEDIA IRL) Brindley Advertising Ltd. | Avoca Mine Public Meeting | 1,575.37 |
| CDM (Camp Dresser & Mc Kee Irl Ltd) | Avoca Mine Public Meeting - Support | 12,705.00 |
| Cantab Consulting | Advice in relation to closure of Galmoy Mine | 7,893.38 |
22,173.75 | ||
675,446.58 | ||
Consultancy | Purpose | Amount € |
|---|---|---|
| Communications | ||
| Deloitte & Touche | Communications Policy Consultancy | 45,919.50 |
| Economic and Social Research Institute | ESRI Programme of Research in Communications | 75,000.00 |
| PA Consulting Group | National Digital Research Centre | 29,040.00 |
149,959.50 | ||
| Energy | ||
| Purvin & Gertz Inc | Strategic Case for Oil Refining Requirements | 154,688.65 |
| Fergus B Cahill | Independent Chairman of Elec Trans Assets Analysis | 1,446.36 |
| IBI Corporate Finance | Financial Advice on Elec Transmission Asset Review | 18,150.00 |
| OHH Energy | Independent Commission Meath Tyrone Power Lines | 36,109.29 |
| 2B Energy | Independent Commission Meath Tyrone Power Lines | 32,284.71 |
| Elimark AB | Independent Commission Meath Tyrone Power Lines | 34,134.85 |
276,813.86 | ||
| Natural Resources | ||
| SLR Consulting ( Ireland Ltd | Core Library Holdings Review | 39,688.00 |
| Jenny Deakin | GWPS | 1,750.00 |
| Arthur Cox Solicitor | Legal Advice on the Corrib Gas Pipeline | 161,297.04 |
| Arthur Cox Solicitor | PAD - Legal Advice in Relation to Seven Heads Gas Field | 2,420.00 |
| David Fox Associates | Petroleum Engineering Support | 181,254.74 |
| Clare Morgan | Geophysicist Consultancy | 64,904.40 |
| Keane Offshore Integrity Ltd | Corrib Verification Process | 141,733.26 |
| Committee Members | Consent Conditions Monitoring Committee | 538.05 |
| AMEC Environment & Infrastructure UK Ltd (Entec) | Assessment of Corrib Gas Pipeline | 22,918.94 |
| Environ uk ltd | Assessment of Corrib Gas Pipeline | 14,928.81 |
| Environ uk ltd | Monitoring of Corrib Gas Consent Conditions | 99,352.95 |
730,786.19 | ||
| Corporate Support | ||
| Murray Consultants Ltd | Media Services | 8,349.00 |
| KPMG Fees Account | Financial Advisor to DCENR (KPMG Secondment) | 133,100.00 |
| Iron Mountain | P&T Pension Consultancy | 30,430.19 |
| Ernst & Young | Financial Advice | 12,402.50 |
| Dept of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation | Irish Commitment to Reducing Admin Budget by 25% | 14,000.00 |
| Committee Members | Consultancy to Audit Committee | 4,446.00 |
| Ronan Tierney (Tierney & Associates ) | Temporary Head of IAU | 11,560.34 |
214,288.03 | ||
1,371,847.58 | ||
| Consultant | Purpose | Amount € |
|---|---|---|
| Subhead B1 – ICT Programmes | ||
| PA Consulting | Implementation of National Post Codes System | 339,942.24 |
| Magnum Opus Ltd | MSE for Contract Management | 66,792.00 |
| Magnum Opus Ltd | Interim MSE Costs | 50,062.00 |
| Analysys Mason Ltd. | NBS Consultancy | 207,826.97 |
664,623.21 | ||
| Subhead C5 – Grants to DTT | ||
| Latinollo Ltd (Trading as McConnell’s) | National Digital Switchover Campaign | 574,897.18 |
| Subhead E1 – Petroleum Services | ||
| Xodus Group | IOSEA 4 (Irish Offshore) | 76,353.86 |
| Fugro Survey Ltd | 805.67 | |
77,159.53 | ||
| Subhead E2 – Mining Services | ||
| Dr. Michael Johnson | Silvermines Vegetation Study | 1,210.00 |
| Dr. Michael Johnson | Silvermines Vegetation Management Review | 5,848.68 |
| CDM (Camp Dresser & Mc Kee Irl Ltd) | Sampling of Gortmore and Silvermines Vegetation | 13,890.80 |
20,949.48 | ||
1,337,629.40 | ||
Consultancy | Purpose | Amount € |
|---|---|---|
| Communications | ||
| Deloitte & Touche | Procurement Advice on Sensitive Comms Issue | 12,054.00 |
| Indecon | National Broadband Plan | 28,167.00 |
| Analysys Mason Ltd. | National Broadband Plan | 30,522.45 |
70,743.45 | ||
| Energy | ||
| Purvin & Gertz Inc | Strategic Case for Oil Refining Requirements | 39,311.55 |
| Kylemore Services | Security of Ireland’s Access to Commercial Oil Supplies | 367.50 |
| Reidy Brophy Limited | Security of Ireland’s Access to Commercial Oil Supplies | 7,100.00 |
| OHH Energy | Independent Commission Meath Tyrone Power Lines | 5,012.57 |
| Elimark AB | Independent Commission Meath Tyrone Power Lines | 4,653.36 |
56,444.98 | ||
| Natural Resources | ||
| Petroleum Infratructure Programme Fund | Petroleum Engineering Support | 3,780.00 |
| David Fox Associates | Petroleum Engineering Support | 95,851.23 |
| Clare Morgan | Petroleum Engineering Support | 6,918.75 |
| Clare Morgan | Geophysicist Consultancy | 41,272.65 |
| Keane Offshore Integrity Ltd | Corrib Verification Process | 42,604.00 |
| Committee Members | Consent Conditions Monitoring Committee | 2,174.19 |
| Environ uk ltd | Monitoring of Corrib Gas Consent Conditions | 117,828.48 |
310,429.30 | ||
| Corporate Support | ||
| KPMG Fees Account | Financial Advisor to DCENR | 12,129.17 |
| Pricewaterhouse Coopers | Financial Advisor to DCENR | 49,200.00 |
| Cloda Ryan | Pension Advisor Services | 3,439.47 |
| Committee Members | Consultancy to Audit Committee | 1,368.00 |
| Tierney & Associates | Temporary Head of IAU | 35,738.88 |
101,875.52 | ||
539,493.25 | ||
| Consultant | Purpose | Amount € |
|---|---|---|
| Subhead A3 – ICT Programmes | ||
| Analysys Mason Ltd. | National Broadband Scheme | 41,737.80 |
| Analysys Mason Ltd. | Kelvin Project | 6,157.66 |
| Mason Hayes & Curran | Post Codes | 25,719.30 |
| PA Consulting | Post Codes | 140,367.60 |
213,982.36 | ||
| Subhead A5 – Information Society and eInclusion | ||
| VBF Technology | Cyber Security | 26,773.60 |
| UCD CCI | Cyber Security | 41,010.98 |
67,784.58 | ||
| Subhead B7 – Grants For Digital Terrestrial Television | ||
| Latinollo Ltd. (Trading as McConnell’s) | Digital Switchover Campaign | 681,328.40 |
| Subhead D3 – Petroleum Services | ||
| Xodus Group Ltd. | Scientific and Environmental Assessment of the Irish and Celtic Seas | 12,151.32 |
975,246.66 | ||
969. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
the gross annual salary costs for his private and constituency offices at present; the same figures for this time last year; and the same figures for any Ministers of State in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37522/12]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte):
The total gross annual salary costs of the private offices and constituency offices of Ministers and Ministers of State are outlined in the tables below.
Minister’s Private Office | |
|---|---|
Annual Salary Cost | |
| September 2011 | €406,562 |
| September 2012 | €436,900 |
Minister’s Constituency Office | |
|---|---|
Annual Salary Cost | |
| September 2011 | €161,269 |
| September 2012 | €190,499 |
Minister of State’s Private Office | |
|---|---|
Annual Salary Cost | |
| September 2011 | €129,729* |
| September 2012 | €70,930* |
Minister of State’s Constituency Office | |
|---|---|
Annual Salary Cost | |
| September 2011 | €109,434 |
| September 2012 | €103,154 |
Questions Nos. 970 and 971 answered with Question No. 968.
972. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
the political activities of each special adviser, special press advisers, or any other type of Ministerial adviser in his Department; if any of them were members of a political party; if so the parties to which they belonged; if any of them are or have been elected local authority members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37570/12]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte):
The restrictions under the terms of the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour on civil servants engaging in political activity do not apply to Special Advisers and they can engage in political activity or join political parties if they wish. These are not matters for which my Special Advisers are accountable to me under their contracts of employment.
973. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
the amount spent by his Department on drivers and Ministerial transport since February 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37586/12]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte):
Since the formation of the new government in March 2011 and the revised transport arrangements for Ministers introduced in May 2011, the total cost incurred in the provision of transport to the Minister and Minister of State at my Department amounts to €260,076.25 to date. This amount consists of salary costs of €221,709.25 (including employer’s PRSI) for four civilian drivers and €38,367 mileage expenses for official travel undertaken by the Minister and Minister of State. As stated by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, the decision to discontinue the provision of State cars for Cabinet Ministers (with the exception of An Taoiseach, An Tánaiste and the Minister for Justice) has reduced the cost to the Exchequer on average by 65%.
974. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
the total amount spent since February 2011 on external reports commissioned by his Department, including payments from Ministerial allowances, details of the consultants employed and costs of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37618/12]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte):
I wish to advise the Deputy that the total expenditure from February 2011 to date on external reports commissioned by my Department is €575,042 and details of the consultants responsible for these external reports are set out in tabular form below. The complex and diverse nature of my Department’s brief requires use of outside consultants. The bulk of these studies referred to below are technical and specialist in nature and were necessary to enable the Department to discharge its responsibilities in the areas concerned. I have set out in a separate reply extensive details of expenditure on consultancy services by my Department and the context in which these arise. The reports listed below formed subsidiary elements of those services in a number of instances.
Payments from Ministerial allowances are not a charge on my Department’s Vote and are not a matter for my Department.
| Consultancy Name | Purpose of Consultancy | Cost € |
|---|---|---|
| Dr Michael Johnson | Silvermines Vegetation Study | 5,848 |
| Camp Dresser McKee CDM | Sampling of Gortmore and Silvermines Vegetation | 13,890 |
| Purvin & Gertz | Strategic Case for Oil Refining requirements | 193,997 |
| PA Consulting Group | National Digital Research Centre | 29,040 |
| OHH Energy Ltd | Independent Commission on Meath Tyrone Power Line | 41,120 |
| Elimark | Independent Commission on Meath Tyrone Power Line | 38,786 |
| 2B Energy | Independent Commission on Meath Tyrone Power Line | 32,284 |
| Indecon Economic Consultants | Economic/Socio-Economic Analysis of options for rollout of next generation broadband | 28,167 |
| SLR Consulting | Core Library Holdings Review | 39,688 |
| Jenny Deakin | Preparation for the Graigue Group Water Scheme Report | 1,750 |
| Xodus Group Ltd | Scientific environmental assessment of the Irish and Celtic Seas (SEA) | 88,463 |
| Environ UK Ltd | Review of the 2010 Corrib Gas Pipeline EIS Submission | 31,487 |
| Analysys Mason | Analysis of options for potential State intervention in the rollout of next generation broadband | 30,522 |
975. Deputy Michelle Mulherin
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
the broadband options available to persons (details supplied) in County Mayo; when will the broadband be made available through the rural broadband service; if is it possible to connect to the atlantic fibre optic cable; and if so, the cost of doing so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37702/12]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte):
Ireland’s telecommunications market has been liberalised since 1999 and since then has developed into a well-regulated market, supporting a multiplicity of commercial operators, providing services over a diverse range of technology platforms. Details of broadband services available on a county-by-county basis can be found on the Commission for Communications Regulation’s (ComReg) website at www.callcosts.ie.
The Government has undertaken a number of initiatives to bring broadband to those parts of the country where commercial operators have been unable to offer services on a commercial basis. In the case of one such intervention, namely the National Broadband Scheme (NBS), services are available to 1,028 Electoral Divisions (ED) including 112 EDs in County Mayo, which are listed in Appendix I. The Rural Broadband Scheme (RBS) was launched last year in recognition of the fact that despite the widespread availability of broadband throughout Ireland, there still remained individual premises that were unable to receive broadband provision. This Scheme is aimed at making a basic broadband service available to un-served premises in rural non-NBS areas.
My Department received 49 eligible applications from County Mayo. The details of applicants have been passed to the commercial operators participating in the Scheme. The names of these companies and the area where they operate can be found on the following link:
http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/Communications/Communications+Development/Rural+Broadband+Scheme/Participating+Internet+Service+Providers.htm .
The companies involved have now sought to provide services to applicants over the period from April to the end of July 2012 and are in the process of providing data to the Department on connections. Where a commercial service is offered the State cannot intervene. I await the outcome of this phase of the scheme.
The question of obtaining a connection directly to an undersea fibre optic cable is not a matter in which I have any function. It would be a commercial matter to be pursued with the owners and operators of the cables in question and any telecommunications operator who wishes to interconnect with the cable separately. I can confirm that my Department has sought EU State Aids clearance, to provide new fibre optic cables in ducts owned by the State from Galway to Mayo. It is expected that this infrastructure will enhance broadband services in the region generally.
While basic broadband services are available throughout Ireland, the challenge now is to accelerate the roll out of high speed services. This Government’s recently published National Broadband Plan entitled “Delivering a Connected Society – A National Broadband Plan for Ireland” aims to facilitate the provision of high speed broadband to every home and business in the State over the lifetime of the Government.
The plan has the following headline targets:
976. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
if he will supply a list of all Labour Court recommendations that have been issued in respect of his Department and organisations under his aegis that have not been complied with in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37749/12]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte):
My Department, since its formation in June 2007, has had no involvement with the Labour Court. Information in respect of bodies and agencies under the aegis of my Department is a day to day matter for those organisations and my Department does not have the information sought by the Deputy. I will, however, request the relevant Agencies and bodies under the aegis of my Department to respond directly to the Deputy in the matter.
977. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
the position regarding setting up a new agency called Smartgrid which will incorporate Eirgrid and ESB Networks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37821/12]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte):
In July 2011, the Government decided that, in the context of the EU Third Energy Package, the ownership of the electricity transmission network is to remain with ESB while the operation and development of the transmission network will continue to be the responsibility of EirGrid. Ownership and operation of the electricity distribution network will remain with ESB. ESB Networks owns the transmission and distribution networks.
978. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
the position regarding plans and proposals to merge Bord Na Móna and Coillte; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37822/12]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte):
The Government has established the NewERA shareholder executive as a business unit within the NTMA. Its functions include the corporate governance from a shareholder perspective of a number of commercial State companies including Bord na Móna and Coillte.
979. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
the position regarding recruiting persons with a disability; the number of persons currently employed in his Department; the number of persons with a disability that have been employed since 1 January 2011 to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37833/12]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte):
The total number of people currently employed in my Department is 244 full time equivalents of which 5.7% of staff have disclosed a disability. My Department is meeting the statutory 3% target of employment of people with a disability under the Disability Act 2005 and this target is monitored on an annual basis. There has been no recruitment of staff with a disability during the period 1 January 2011 to date in 2012.
980. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
if he will support a ban on fracking particularly in relation to the dangers of contamination of surface and ground water [37955/12]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte):
In October of last year, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources requested the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct research and advise on the environmental implications of hydraulic fracturing as a means of extracting natural gas from underground reserves. On 11 May 2012, the EPA published its preliminary research into the environmental aspects of shale gas extraction in the form of a small desk based study, which was carried out by the University of Aberdeen.
981. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
with regard to the exploration companies drilling for oil off our coasts, his views on whether it is right and proper that the State should gain financially from a successful oil drilling exploration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38315/12]
994. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
if he will review the deal with the international exploration companies who are seeking oil beneath Irish waters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38817/12]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 981 and 994 together.
982. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
if the targets contained in the recently published national broadband plan for 30MB broadband speed across rural Ireland involves fibre connectivity as opposed to mobile broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38422/12]
983. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
the way he will assess where there has been market failure in the provision of high speed broadband in rural Ireland; if this process has already begun; if any specific areas in County Louth have been identified where the market has failed to provide adequate high speed broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38423/12]
984. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
if the towns of County Louth will be included in the 50% of the population to which he is aiming to deliver 70 - 100MB broadband speeds by 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38424/12]
985. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
the percentage of the population of County Louth that currently have access to broadband speeds in excess of 70MB and the way this compare to the average across the State. [38425/12]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 982 to 985, inclusive, together.
986. Deputy Eric Byrne
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding television licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38459/12]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte):
The regulations underpinning the current TV Licensing regime are set out in Part 9 of the Broadcasting Act 2009. The possible introduction of different categories of licence, under Section 144 of the 2009 Act, was considered by my Department in an exercise conducted last year. An evaluation of the feasibility and cost benefits of such a step was carried out in conjunction with a consultation process, which sought the views of stakeholders who had previously been in contact with the Department in relation to this issue.
987. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
the amount of money spent on an annual basis on education and training of staff in 2011 and to date in 2012; the number of staff that availed of each course; if he will provide a list of the courses staff undertook and the cost of each course per person. [38481/12]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte):
In support of the Department’s business objectives, funding for staff development is budgeted for across three main areas – training course activity, relevant third level education and membership of professional bodies which include in their membership significant elements of function related professional development training.
In addition essential Health and Safety related training is also provided.
The Department has included staff development in its ongoing value for money initiative across all services provision and the Staff Development Unit undertook, in 2009, reviews of both training policy and procurement. In this regard costs have been reduced over recent years without compromising quality or diminishing training opportunity. The Department has developed internal expertise to facilitate a number of in-house training courses which has displaced the need to hire private consultants for this function, In addition, we operate in partnership with larger Departments to avail of economies of scale in terms of training places on commonly themed training.
In 2011 expenditure on these activities was €102,442.43. To date in 2012 expenditure is €45,774.35 and further commitments to staff development will increase this, within the allocated budget, by year end. This compares to some €154,000 in 2010 and some €265,000 in 2009
The details sought by the Deputy, as regards course and attendance and the cost per head, is in the table below .
2011 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Description | Amount | Attendee | Cost Per Person | |
Training - Membership Fees | Agresso Membership | €250.00 | 1 | €250.00 |
| ACCA Membership Fees 2011 | €467.36 | 2 | €233.68 | |
| ACCA Fees 2012 | €234.53 | 1 | €234.53 | |
| Trinity College Membership Fees Library Access | €900.00 | 1 | €900.00 | |
| Institute of Geologists Membership | €1,020.00 | 6 | €170.00 | |
| IAU Membership | €612.89 | 4 | €153.22 | |
| Engineers Ireland | €285.00 | 1 | €285.00 | |
€3,769.78 | ||||
Training Course/Conference Fees | Financial Training | €1,284.22 | 1 | €1,284.22 |
| Forum on Public Procurement in Ireland | €90.75 | 2 | €45.38 | |
| Irish Payroll Association | €375.00 | 1 | €375.00 | |
| MBS in Strategic Procurement | €7,350.00 | 1 | €7,350.00 | |
| Public Procurement Legal Cases | €90.75 | 2 | €45.38 | |
| LLB (Bachelor of Laws) | €2,155.00 | 1 | €2,155.00 | |
| MBA Y1 | €1,585.96 | 1 | €1,585.96 | |
| Judicial Review | €245.00 | 1 | €245.00 | |
| Membership Fee (legal) | €55.00 | 1 | €55.00 | |
| Productive Solutions | €795.00 | 4 | €198.75 | |
| Productive Solutions | €450.00 | 1 | €450.00 | |
| First Aid Training | €1,062.00 | 3 | €354.00 | |
| Evac Training | €1,048.80 | 8 | €131.10 | |
| Evac Training | €1,615.00 | 4 | €403.75 | |
| Implementing ISO/IEC | €1,195.00 | 1 | €1,195.00 | |
| French language level 3-4 | €400.00 | 1 | €400.00 | |
| Beginners Irish | €140.00 | 1 | €140.00 | |
| French language level 3-4 | €400.00 | 1 | €400.00 | |
| French language level 3-4 | €400.00 | 1 | €400.00 | |
| Train The Trainer | €850.00 | 2 | €425.00 | |
| MSc Public Mgt | €3,320.00 | 1 | €3,320.00 | |
| Geological Training | €500.75 | 1 | €500.75 | |
| IMQS/IPI Planning Seminar | €85.00 | 1 | €85.00 | |
| Health and Safety Training | €250.00 | 1 | €250.00 | |
| Pension Admin Training | €810.00 | 1 | €810.00 | |
| Future of State Assets Seminar | €235.95 | 1 | €235.95 | |
| EU Electricity Seminar | €707.85 | 3 | €235.95 | |
| Customised Excel Training | €395.00 | 1 | €395.00 | |
| Intro to Argis Apr/Jun | €835.00 | 1 | €835.00 | |
| Intro to Argis Apr/Jun | €835.00 | 1 | €835.00 | |
| Argis16/17 June 2011 | €835.00 | 1 | €835.00 | |
| Software Training | €400.00 | 2 | €200.00 | |
| Executive Coaching | €500.00 | 1 | €500.00 | |
| A-Z in Irish Gov & Public Admin | €3,000.00 | 22 | €136.36 | |
| Copyright | €900.00 | 1 | €900.00 | |
| A-Z of Irish Government | €1,975.00 | 4 | €493.75 | |
| Cert in Civil Service Studies | €950.00 | 1 | €950.00 | |
| Access Training | €795.00 | 1 | €795.00 | |
| Cert in Civil Service Studies | €950.00 | 1 | €950.00 | |
| Internal Audit Training | €550.00 | 1 | €550.00 | |
| Business Process Improvement | €920.00 | 1 | €920.00 | |
| Front House Receptionist Training | €850.00 | 4 | €212.50 | |
| BCM Disaster Recovery | €495.00 | 1 | €495.00 | |
| HR Training | €175.50 | 1 | €175.50 | |
| HR Admin Training. | €4,797.65 | 6 | €799.61 | |
| Comp in Energy an Regulated Mkts | €85.00 | 1 | €85.00 | |
| Business Process Improvement | €920.00 | 1 | €920.00 | |
| Ground Source Heating & Cooling | €200.00 | 1 | €200.00 | |
| ArcGIS Part 1 | €835.00 | 1 | €835.00 | |
| Irish Language | €170.00 | 1 | €170.00 | |
| Ground Source Heating & Cooling | €800.00 | 4 | €200.00 | |
| Communications Seminar | €471.90 | 1 | €471.90 | |
| Holistic View of Generator Revenue | €15.00 | 1 | €15.00 | |
| Competition in Energy an Reg Markets | €85.00 | 1 | €85.00 | |
| Legal Training | €145.00 | 1 | €145.00 | |
| Regulatory Governance | €400.00 | 1 | €400.00 | |
| Webmaster Designer Diploma | €1,595.00 | 1 | €1,595.00 | |
| Intermediate ArcGis | €1,300.00 | 1 | €1,300.00 | |
| Legal Training | €528.00 | 1 | €528.00 | |
€55,205.08 | ||||
Refund of Course Fees | MA in Public Management | €1,500.00 | 1 | €1,500.00 |
| Diploma in Business Studies | €894.00 | 1 | €894.00 | |
| MA in Public Management | €3,500.00 | 1 | €3,500.00 | |
| Bachelor of Arts in Public Management | €1,036.00 | 1 | €1,036.00 | |
| MA in Public Management | €3,564.00 | 1 | €3,564.00 | |
| Diploma in Business Studies | €1,393.00 | 1 | €1,393.00 | |
| Diploma in EU Studies | €597.00 | 1 | €597.00 | |
| Masters in Public Management | €5,000.00 | 1 | €5,000.00 | |
| BA in Business Studies | €1,043.00 | 1 | €1,043.00 | |
| BA in Business Studies | €1,043.00 | 1 | €1,043.00 | |
| MA in European Law | €3,170.99 | 1 | €3,170.99 | |
| Diploma in European Law | €1,349.69 | 1 | €1,349.69 | |
| BA (Hons) Business Management | €1,970.50 | 1 | €1,970.50 | |
| BA (Hons) Business Mgt Project | €844.50 | 1 | €844.50 | |
| Masters in Business Administration | €3,700.60 | 1 | €3,700.60 | |
| PHD in Physics | €3,800.00 | 1 | €3,800.00 | |
| Master of Arts In Public Management | €3,500.00 | 1 | €3,500.00 | |
| Master of Arts In Public Management | €750.00 | 1 | €750.00 | |
| Bachelor of Arts in Public Management | €1,500.00 | 1 | €1,500.00 | |
| Bachelor of Arts in Public Management | €459.00 | 1 | €459.00 | |
€40,615.28 | ||||
2012 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Amount | Attendee | Cost Per Person | ||
Membership Fees | Membership of SEG | €121.16 | 1 | €121.16 |
| Membership Fee Energy Institute | €164.50 | 1 | €164.50 | |
| Annual Subscription for Trinity College Library Access | €900.00 | |||
| Membership for the Irish Centre for European Law | €395.00 | |||
| Membership Fees - Institute of Geologists | €1,032.00 | 5 | €206.40 | |
| Affiliate Subscription - Chartered Institute of Personnel Development | €408.40 | 2 | €204.20 | |
| Membership Fees - Engineers Ireland | €665.00 | 2 | €332.50 | |
€3,686.06 | ||||
Training Course/Conference Fees | Introduction to IBM SPSS & Statistics | €840.00 | 1 | €840.00 |
| Communications Training | €750.00 | 1 | €750.00 | |
| HR training | €265.00 | 1 | €265.00 | |
| Certificate in Regulatory Affairs | €3,547.59 | 1 | €3,547.59 | |
| Understanding the EU Public Procurement Rules | €1,300.00 | 2 | €650.00 | |
| Understanding the EU Public Procurement Rules | €650.00 | 1 | €650.00 | |
| Audit Committees - Role & Evaluation | €195.00 | 1 | €195.00 | |
| Legal Training | €846.00 | 1 | €846.00 | |
| Public Procurement Conference | €121.50 | 1 | €121.50 | |
| DVB Conference (Broadcasting) | €950.75 | 1 | €950.75 | |
| Introduction to IBM SPSS & Statistics | €672.00 | 1 | €672.00 | |
| Employment Law Seminar | €220.00 | 1 | €220.00 | |
| EU Litigation Update Conference | €58.50 | 1 | €58.50 | |
| Managing the Recession - The Evolving Role of In-House Lawyer | €20.00 | 1 | €20.00 | |
| French Tuition | €280.75 | 1 | €280.75 | |
| Intensive French Training | €853.56 | 1 | €853.56 | |
| RIA Training Conference | €20.00 | 1 | €20.00 | |
| EIA Practise Seminar | €180.00 | 1 | €180.00 | |
| Reporting to PERC Standard (exploration) | €100.00 | 1 | €100.00 | |
| Groundwater (Geology) Training | €200.00 | 1 | €200.00 | |
| IAEG Conference ( Geology) | €150.00 | 1 | €150.00 | |
| Software Training Benefit Programme | €600.00 | 1 | €600.00 | |
| Communications & Assertiveness Skills Course | €475.00 | 1 | €475.00 | |
| Executive Coaching | €500.00 | 1 | €500.00 | |
| Internal Mediation Resolving Workplace Disputes | €550.00 | 1 | €550.00 | |
| Freedom of Information Decision Makers Course | €1,800.00 | 10 | €180.00 | |
| Business Process Improvement Training | €920.00 | 1 | €920.00 | |
| Certificate in Social Media | €560.00 | 1 | €560.00 | |
| Corporate Governance Training | €1,450.00 | 14 | €103.57 | |
| A New Era for Data Protection in Ireland | €239.85 | 1 | €239.85 | |
| Public Management | €105.00 | 1 | €105.00 | |
| CSLC Language Training - French | €0.00 | 2 | €0.00 | |
| TPU - Planning for Retirement | €0.00 | 4 | €0.00 | |
| Agresso Financial Reporting - In House | €0.00 | 5 | €0.00 | |
| Defibrillator Training | €0.00 | 21 | €0.00 | |
| Level Two Management Training | €0.00 | 2 | €0.00 | |
| Clerical Officer Development Programme | €0.00 | 4 | €0.00 | |
| Introduction to Public Procurement | €0.00 | 3 | €0.00 | |
€19,420.50 | ||||
Refund of Course Fees | Refund of Fees - Computing & Maths | €1,275.84 | 1 | €1,275.84 |
| Refund of Fees - Bridging Course | €245.00 | 1 | €245.00 | |
| Refund of Fees - BA in Business Studies | €672.00 | 1 | €672.00 | |
| Refund of Fees - BA in Business Management | €420.00 | 1 | €420.00 | |
| Refund of Fees - PHD Experimental Physics | €2,300.00 | 1 | €2,300.00 | |
| Refund of Fees BA in Business Management | €980.00 | 1 | €980.00 | |
| Refund of Fees - Bachelor of Arts | €1,974.00 | 1 | €1,974.00 | |
| Refund of Fees - Computing & Maths | €580.26 | 1 | €580.26 | |
| Refund of Fees - Doctorate In Governance | €3,000.00 | 1 | €3,000.00 | |
| Refund of Fees - BA of Business Studies | €1,568.00 | 1 | €1,568.00 | |
| Refund of Fees - Doctorate In Governance | €7,000.00 | 1 | €7,000.00 | |
| Refund of Fees - Bachelor of Law | €2,155.00 | 1 | €2,155.00 | |
€22,170.10 | ||||
988. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
the loss recorded at RTE in 2011; and the impact of the circa €50m additional pension liability incurred by RTE during 2011 [38525/12]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte):
RTÉ is an independent national public service broadcaster whose remit and obligations are set out in Section 114 of the Broadcasting Act 2009.
Questions Nos. 989 and 990 answered with Question No. 954.
991. Deputy Nicky McFadden
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
the number, if any, of applicants now remaining in the rural broadband scheme; the current status of these applicants; the measures that will be taken on behalf of these applicants and the date of same; and if he will outline the costs and disbursement of the scheme to date. [38655/12]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte):
The Rural Broadband Scheme (RBS) was launched last year in recognition of the fact that despite the widespread availability of broadband throughout Ireland, there still remained individual premises that were unable to receive broadband provision. This Scheme is aimed at making a basic broadband service available to un-served premises in rural non-NBS areas.
The Application Phase of the RBS closed on 29 July 2011. The Department received 5,000 applications and of these, approximately 3,700 qualified under the terms of the scheme.
The details of applicants were passed to participating companies and the companies responded to DCENR indicating where they may be able to offer services. A total of 29 companies are now participating in this part of the Scheme and a total of 2011 applicants have given their consent to receive written offers of service from the participating companies.
The following table gives an overall picture of the number of applications now in the Scheme and the distribution of those applications at county level.
| Carlow | 21 | Cavan | 45 | Clare | 115 | Cork | 146 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Donegal | 151 | Dublin | 46 | Galway | 96 | Kerry | 67 |
| Kildare | 87 | Kilkenny | 40 | Laois | 70 | Leitrim | 56 |
| Limerick | 37 | Longford | 81 | Louth | 37 | Mayo | 49 |
| Meath | 97 | Monaghan | 119 | Offaly | 135 | Roscommon | 57 |
| Sligo | 42 | Tipperary | 186 | Waterford | 33 | Westmeath | 102 |
| Wexford | 67 | Wicklow | 29 |
992. Deputy Tom Fleming
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
if he will put in place a waiver system for hardship cases who will not be able to afford the cost of switching over to Saorview; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38685/12]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte):
I am very much aware of the challenges digital switchover brings, in particular for households that are reliant on the existing free to air analogue TV network. The necessary assistance and support for everyone but in particular for those households who need to make the switch to digital is being provided through a substantial national information campaign. In addition there is a Community Outreach Programme aimed at providing local assistance to meet the needs of the most vulnerable in society. As I have stated in reply to previous questions, I do not propose to introduce grant schemes for this purpose.
993. Deputy Tom Fleming
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
his plans to address the impact of rising costs of oil, petrol, gas and diesel on households and businesses who are struggling to meet their household bills throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38724/12]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte):
I have no statutory function in the setting of energy prices, whether in the regulated or non-regulated market. Responsibility for the regulation of the gas market is a matter for the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) which is an independent statutory body. The Irish oil industry is fully privatised, liberalised and deregulated and there is free entry to the market.
Question No. 994 answered with Question No. 981.
995. Deputy Dominic Hannigan
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
if he will outline, in tabular form, both the number and the percentage of women and men on State boards under the aegis of his Department in each of the past ten years; if he will provide the most up-to-date figures available regarding the number and percentage of women and men on State boards under the aegis of his Department in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38853/12]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte):
I wish to advise the Deputy that there are 16 bodies under the aegis of my Department that have boards. Details of the current breakdown between men and women serving on these boards are set out in tabular form below.
The Deputy will also appreciate that in making appointments to boards I must have regard to the provisions of the governing legislation as regards members’ qualifications and other related matters.
The Government adopted a significant innovation in 2011 to widen access by all persons to be considered for appointment to Boards by providing that expressions of interest be sought publicly from all those that might be interested in serving on such Boards.
I wish to advise the Deputy that on the 3rd of June 2011 I invited Expressions of Interest from persons wishing to be considered for appointment to vacancies on State Boards under the aegis of my Department, which were expected to occur up to the end of 2011. On 9th February 2012 I invited further Expressions of Interest from persons wishing to serve on any of the Boards under the aegis of my Department.
Notwithstanding this significant innovation, the level of expressions of interest from women has been less than half that of men. Of the 31 applications made in 2011 on foot of the invitation to submit expressions of interest, 10 were from women and 21 from men. In 2012 the total number of applicants was 37 of which 8 were from women and 29 from men.
I indicated at the outset the approach to making appointments and the Deputy will appreciate that appointments to State Boards are made in accordance with the relevant governing statute and the Minister is not obliged to make appointments from tendered expressions of interest but has the discretion to do so if he or she considers it appropriate.
Information in respect of the numbers and percentages of women and men on these boards in the past 10 years is available in their respective Annual Reports. The Reports are available in the library of the Houses of the Oireachtas or by contacting the Boards directly.
Table
| Body | No. of Men | No. of Women | % Men | % Women |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| An Post | 13 | 2 | 87% | 13% |
| Bord Gáis Éireann | 7 | 2 | 78% | 22% |
| Bord na Móna | 10 | 2 | 83% | 17% |
| Broadcasting Authority of Ireland | 5 | 5 | 50% | 50% |
| Digital Hub Development Authority | 7 | 2 | 78% | 22% |
| EirGrid | 4 | 7 | 36% | 64% |
| ESB | 9 | 2 | 82% | 18% |
| Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission (Loughs Agency) | 10 | 2 | 83% | 17% |
| Inland Fisheries Ireland | 8 | 2 | 80% | 20% |
| Irish National Petroleum Corporation Ltd | 4 | 1 | 80% | 20% |
| National Oil Reserves Agency | 6 | 1 | 86% | 14% |
| Ordnance Survey Ireland | 7 | 3 | 70% | 30% |
| RTÉ | 7 | 5 | 58% | 42% |
| TG4 | 5 | 6 | 45% | 55% |
| Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland | 7 | 3 | 70% | 30% |
996. Deputy Anne Ferris
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
the steps he is taking to ensure that State boards have at least 40% of each gender, as provided for in the Programme for Government; the percentage at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39149/12]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte):
As the Deputy will no doubt appreciate it is also a key concern of mine to ensure high quality representation on Boards irrespective of gender. I can assure the Deputy that I am committed to seeking to attain the 40% target for both genders on Boards.
The Deputy will also appreciate that in making appointments to boards I must have regard to the provisions of the governing legislation as regards members’ qualifications and other related matters.
The Government adopted a significant innovation in 2011 to widen access by all persons to be considered for appointment to Boards by providing that expressions of interest be sought publicly from all those that might be interested in serving on such Boards.
I wish to advise the Deputy that on the 3rd of June 2011 I invited Expressions of Interest from persons wishing to be considered for appointment to vacancies on State Boards under the aegis of my Department, which were expected to occur up to the end of 2011. On 9th February 2012 I invited further expressions of interest from persons wishing to serve on any of the Boards under the aegis of my Department.
Notwithstanding this significant innovation, the level of expressions of interest from women has been less than half that of men. Of the 31 applications made in 2011 on foot of the invitation to submit expressions of interest, 10 were from women and 21 from men. In 2012 the total number of applicants was 37 of which 8 were from women and 29 from men.
The Table below shows the percentage breakdown of men and women serving on boards having regard to the sectors covered by my Department.
Table
| Sector | No. of Men | No. of Women | % Men | % Women |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broadcasting | 17 | 16 | 52% | 48% |
| Communications | 22 | 5 | 81% | 19% |
| Energy | 49 | 19 | 72% | 28% |
| Natural Resources | 27 | 7 | 79% | 21% |
997. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
his views on the recent European Parliament report entitled Impacts of Shale Gas and Shale Oil Extraction on the Environment and on Human Health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39165/12]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte):
I can confirm for the Deputy that I am aware of the Report in question which was published by the European Parliament a little over a year ago. I am also aware of the three most recent Reports, Unconventional Gas: Potential Energy Market Impacts in the EU; Climate Impact of Potential Shale Gas Production in the EU and the Report on Unconventional Gas in Europe which were published by the European Commission earlier this month.
998. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
if he will report on National Digital Switch Over Week and on all other necessary preparations in relation to the switching off of the analogue TV network on 24 October, 2012; if the estimated 200,000 people still using the analogue network will have alternative arrangements in place after that date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39166/12]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte):
First of all, I would like to point out that TV viewers who use the analogue TV network will need to make the change to digital in advance of 10 a.m., Wednesday 24 October when this network will be closed down. TV viewers who currently use pay TV are unaffected. The replacement digital “free to air” TV network, SAORVIEW, has been nationally available since May 2011. Alternatively, TV viewers can choose to upgrade to a pay TV service such as cable or satellite.
SAORVIEW currently provides access to “free to air” TV to almost 98% of the population and will fulfil the full extent of its coverage obligations by 24 October 2012. Thirteen smaller sites will go live between September 24 and October 1. As a result, SAORVIEW will provide in excess of 98% coverage. SAORVIEW will be providing information at a local level to residents in these areas in relation to SAORVIEW coverage.
For the remaining 2% of the population, RTÉ launched SAORSAT in March 2012. SAORSAT is a “free to air” satellite system providing access to RTÉ channels and TG4. Since March 2012, therefore, everyone in Ireland can make the switch to digital.
I am very much aware of the challenges digital switchover brings for those households that are reliant on the existing “free to air” analogue TV network. In this regard, to compliment the national information and awareness campaign and the Outreach programme, on Monday 10th September I announced details of National Digital Switchover Week which is taking place from 17th – 23rd September, 2012.
Organised by my Department in partnership with The Wheel and Irish Rural Link, the week will see 26 local Digital Outreach Champions across the country organise events in their communities to encourage those who have not yet switched to digital TV to do so during National Digital Switchover Week. A list of events is available on www.goingdigital.ie
The information and awareness campaign rolled out in October 2011 will continue until the end of 2012. The campaign provides information on what is happening, the timelines and the different choices available to upgrade to digital. This comprehensive campaign includes advertising on TV, local and national radio; an analogue marker (red x 24 October) to act as a constant reminder to everyone using the analogue service to switch to digital; research; a dedicated website – www.goingdigital.ie and national telephone helpline; and an information booklet which was delivered to every household in the country.
Ongoing local awareness initiatives led by the Digital Outreach Champions as part of the Department’s Outreach Programme has made a concerted effort over the past 6 months, in particular, to remind people not to get left behind and make the switch.
Furthermore, I and officials in my Department are continuing to work closely with RTÉ, TG4, TV3, RTÉNL, ComReg and the BAI and our colleagues in Northern Ireland to ensure a smooth transition to digital broadcasting in the country.
As there are only 36 days to go before the 24 October deadline, I would urge all Deputies to engage with the Outreach Programme and Digital Switchover Week at a local level in order to urge constituents to move to digital now and not to wait until the last minute.
999. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
the individual gas or oil extraction projects currently being undertaken in Irish territories; the licence arrangements in place for these projects; and the total projected return to the State from these projects via dividends licence payments or other fees. [39199/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Fergus O'Dowd):
There have been four commercial natural gas discoveries since exploration began offshore Ireland in the early 1970s, namely the Kinsale, Ballycotton and Seven Heads (Kinsale area) producing gas fields off the coast of Cork and the Corrib gas field off the coast of Mayo. There have been no commercial discoveries of oil to date.
1000. Deputy Patrick Nulty
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
the grants available, if any, towards the installation of solar panels on local authority housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39230/12]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte):
I have no function in relation to grants for local authority housing which is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) operates the Better Energy Homes Programme, which is available to homeowners of private dwellings built before 2006. The Better Energy Homes solar grant for domestic water heating amounts to €800 for every eligible home where the installation meets the performance requirements set out in the Better Energy Homes Code of Practice and the homeowner’s Solar Buyers Guide. Full details are available at: www.seai.ie.
1001. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
the number of semi State companies of which he is the shareholder, that have corporate boxes in sports stadia or other venues; the original cost of same; the amount annually; if the semi State company charge or intend charging for the use of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39305/12]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte):
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department does not own any corporate boxes. There are 18 bodies under the aegis of my Department and together with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform I am a shareholder in a number of the companies. The matter of whether any of these companies have corporate boxes at sports stadia or other venues is a matter for each company.
1002. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
the number of State bodies that have been set up since 9 March 2011; the rationale behind these decisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39993/12]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte):
I wish to advise the Deputy that I have not set up any State Bodies since taking office on 9th March 2011.
1003. Deputy Gerald Nash
asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources
the number of appointments that have been made to positions available on the boards of semi-State companies and statutory agencies following public advertisement; if he will provide details of the names of persons who have been appointed under this initiative and the agencies on which they now sit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40031/12]
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte):
I wish to advise the Deputy that on the 3rd of June 2011 I invited Expressions of Interest from persons wishing to be considered for appointment to vacancies on State Boards under the aegis of my Department, which were expected to occur up to the end of 2011. On 9th February 2012 I invited further expressions of interest from persons wishing to serve on any of the Boards under the aegis of my Department. The Deputy will appreciate that appointments to State Boards are made in accordance with the relevant governing statute and I am not obliged to make appointments from tendered expressions of interest and have the discretion to do so if I consider it appropriate.
The following table sets out details of appointments made from expressions of interest received.
Body | Appointee |
|---|---|
| An Post | Mr James Wrynn |
| Mr Paul Henry | |
| Bord na Móna | Mr John Horgan |
| EirGrid | Ms Regina Moran |
| Mr Liam O’Halloran | |
| Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland | Ms Julie O’Neill |
| TG4 | Mr Joe Connolly |
| Mr Des Geraghty | |
| Digital Hub Development Agency (DHDA) | Mr Paul Holden |
| Ordnance Survey Ireland OSI | Mr Padraic Jordan |
1004. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the measures he has implemented to improve competitiveness in relation to commercial rates and water rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37404/12]
1005. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
his policy on commercial rates and water rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37415/12]
1098. Deputy Nicky McFadden
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
when a re-evaluation of commercial rates will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38445/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1004, 1005 and 1098 together.
1006. Deputy Peter Mathews
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
his views on the difficulties surrounding the introduction of a fair property tax (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37734/12]
1009. Deputy Eoghan Murphy
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he has consulted the Department of Finance on possible exemptions to the property tax based on a person’s pension or a variation of the tax to reflect different levels of income or a person’s relative means. [38034/12]
1010. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if a new property tax will be applied to commercial buildings. [38350/12]
1011. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the length of time it will take to implement a property tax; the model that will be used and estimates of compliance percentages. [38926/12]
1012. Deputy Tom Fleming
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he will bring forward proposals for a property tax based on a person's or household's ability to pay rather than on the size or value of their property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39163/12]
1130. Deputy Terence Flanagan
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the property tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39222/12]
1090. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding property taxation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38241/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
I propose to take Question Nos. 1006, 1009 to 1012, inclusive, 1090 and 1130 together.
1007. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
his views on mortgage to rent schemes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37791/12]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O'Sullivan):
On foot of the recommendations of the Keane Report on mortgage arrears, the Government launched a mortgage to rent scheme on a pilot basis in February 2012. This scheme was extended nationally in June 2012, targeting those low income families whose mortgage situation is unsustainable and where there is little or no prospect of a significant change in circumstances in the foreseeable future. The scheme ensures that the family remains in their home, while ownership is transferred to an approved housing body who in turn rent it to the original owners.
Householders seeking to avail of the mortgage to rent scheme must meet the following criteria:
Additionally applicants must own the property, and it must have a current market value of less than €220,000 in the Dublin area or less than €180,000 in the rest of the country. The property must be in good condition, be in a suitable location and must suit the household’s needs. In addition applicants must not own any other property or have assets in excess of €20,000 and the net household annual income must not exceed a maximum of €35,000, depending on its location. Borrowers wishing to avail of this scheme may access further information on the Housing Agency website, www.housing.ie. - have had their mortgage deemed unsustainable under a Mortgage Arrears Resolution Process as provided for under the Central Bank’s Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears;
- agree to a voluntary repossession of their home;
- be eligible for social housing support; and
- not have significant positive equity in the property.
1008. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if in view of the very wet weather this summer and the need to conserve fodder it is intended to relax the rules in relation to the spreading of fertiliser this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37893/12]
1065. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if in view of the very wet weather this year it is intended to extend the latest date for slurry spreading this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37894/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1008 and 1065 together.
Questions Nos. 1009 to 1012, inclusive, answered with Question No. 1006.
1013. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he will report on the recent passing of European Parliament legislation on reducing the sulphur levels in shipping fuels; if it will have any impact on the Irish shipping sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39228/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
In July 2011 the European Commission published a proposal to revise Directive 1999/32/EC (the ‘sulphur content of liquid fuels directive’) that regulates the maximum level of sulphur permitted for fuels used in the shipping sector. Following negotiations between Member States and the European Commission, the proposal was adopted by the European Parliament on 11 September 2012. All EU Member States will be required to transpose the new Directive into national law.
The aim of the new Directive is to reduce air pollution from the shipping sector thereby protecting human health and the environment. This will be achieved through a lower sulphur content limit for marine fuel in order to reduce sulphur oxide emissions. Ireland supported the aim of the new Directive throughout the negotiation process and welcomes its adoption by the European Parliament.
The new Directive, for the most part, aligns EU legislation with the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (known as the MARPOL Convention). Ireland is party to MARPOL and has already implemented most of the provisions of the new Directive through regulations previously given effect by the Minister for Transport, the Sea Pollution (Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships) Regulations 2010).
The difference between MARPOL and the new Directive is the timing of the introduction of the new lower 0.5% sulphur content limit in marine fuel. Under MARPOL, and current national legislation giving effect to MARPOL, the 0.5% maximum sulphur content limit will apply in 2020 or in 2025, depending on an IMO review to be completed in 2018. The new Directive introduces the 0.5% sulphur content limit for marine fuel in 2020 regardless of the outcome of the 2018 IMO review.
The provisions of the new Directive apply equally to shipping operators in all EU Member States. The new Directive also provides for a degree of greater clarity in that 2020 is now confirmed as the deadline by which the shipping sector must prepare for the switchover to lower sulphur fuel.
1014. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
his plans to phase out the use of bed and breakfast accommodation for dealing with homeless persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37017/12]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O'Sullivan):
My Department’s role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of housing authorities in addressing homelessness at local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of accommodation and related services for homeless persons rests with the housing authorities and the implementation of the homeless strategy at local and regional level is being carried out through the framework of statutory homelessness action plans adopted by housing authorities.
1015. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
in view of the ongoing waste dumping in our forests, bogs, and all over our country, if he will consider amending the Waste Management Act 1996 to include rewards to citizens who assist in bringing convictions either by supplying evidence or by taking cases themselves; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37018/12]
1016. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he will consider amending the Waste Management Act 1996 to include on the spot fines for dumping; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37019/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1015 and 1016 together.
1017. Deputy Terence Flanagan
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the date on which he expects a testing protocol to be put in place for the testing of pyrite in homes; the date on which he expects all the actions in the pyrite report to be implemented; when he expects remedial work to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37020/12]
1074. Deputy Patrick Nulty
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he agrees with the designation of an amber category in the Pyrite Panel Report which could lead to homeowners affected by pyrite unable to access remediation works and removal of pyrite from their homes and unable to sell their homes due to no fault of their own; who he proposes will be responsible for conducting the monitoring of pyrite damage on an ongoing basis for homes in this category; if he will ensure instead that all homes with reactive pyrite have the infill removed and replaced and are certified pyrite free without delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37944/12]
1076. Deputy Patrick Nulty
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he will ensure that pyrite remedial works are carried out in a systematic rather than an ad hoc manner to ensure homeowners receive full structural certification and avail of economies of scale given the impact both pyrite damage and remedial works can have on adjoining properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37946/12]
1079. Deputy Patrick Nulty
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he will ensure that all pyrite remedial works are coordinated and managed by an independent person/agency and not by HomeBond which the Pyrite Panel clarified for the Oireachtas Environment Committee was responsible for managing only a handful of the properties remediated so far and does not have extensive experience of managing the remediation specifically of pyrite related damage as noted on page 113 of the Pyrite Report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37949/12]
1081. Deputy Patrick Nulty
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he proposes to take action to identify pyrite affected developments and counties as further pyrite related problems emerge; the person homeowners should contact if they suspect that their home or development is affected by pyrite now that the Pyrite Panel has completed its work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37951/12]
1113. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if, arising from the report of the pyrite panel, he intends to proceed with a particular plan to mutualise or share the responsibility for pyrite damage between the various bodies including the insurers and home bond with a view to achieving the highest possible level of protection for the householder; if it might be feasible to compile a federation of suppliers of product, builders, home bond and any relevant insurers culminating in the creation of an insurance bureau which might share any liability arising and thus protect the consumer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36902/12]
1136. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the extent to which progress is being made to address the on-going issue of pyrite; if the full extent of the problem is being identified, quantified or costed; if he has studied the points raised by the Pyrite Action Group with a view to identifying a financial structure and a comprehensive plan to deal with the issues arising with particular reference to the need for the adoption of a fully integrated system to deal with the issues in order that householders can be reassured and that the financial impact on them can be minimised by way of home bond or other insurance provisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39316/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1017, 1074, 1076, 1079, 1081, 1113 and 1136 together.
1018. Deputy Noel Grealish
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the rationale considered by him or his Department in preparing the Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and the Local Government (Household Charge) Regulations 2012 which led to tenants of residential properties not being considered as having any liability for the local services to which the charge contributes through the local government fund. [37021/12]
1019. Deputy Noel Grealish
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if legislation suggesting that tenants of residential properties are not liable for the household charge is discriminatory, in view of the fact that tenants, whether in public or private accommodation, benefit from the local services provided through the charge, notwithstanding the legislative provision that certain buildings are not considered as residential for the purposes of the legislation. [37022/12]
1020. Deputy Noel Grealish
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
his views on the provision in standard residential letting contracts whereby owners of private residential property can legally pass on the household charge and the non-principal private residence charge to tenants. [37023/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1018 to 1020, inclusive, together.
The household charge is a charge levied on the ownership of property, not on its occupation. The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and the Local Government (Household Charge) Regulations 2012 provide the legislation underpinning the household charge.
Under the legislation, an owner of a residential property on the liability date of 1 January 2012 is liable to pay the household charge by 31 March 2012, unless otherwise exempted or entitled to claim a waiver. Section 1 of the Act provides a definition of “owner” for the purposes of the Act, which, in relation to a residential property, means—
A tenant holding a lease of less than 20 years’ duration, whether in public or in private rented accommodation, is not an owner of the property in which he or she is living and is therefore not liable in respect of that property. The legislation governing tenancies generally is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality.(a ) a person (other than a mortgagee not in possession) who—
(i) in the case of a residential property that is let under a lease or held under a tenancy for a term not exceeding 20 years, is entitled to receive the rent under that lease or tenancy whether in his or her own right or as trustee or agent for another person, or
(ii) in the case of a residential property that is not so let or so held, would, subject to paragraph (b) , be so entitled if the residential property were so let or so held, whether in that person’s own right or as trustee or agent for another person,
(b ) where the property is let under a lease or held under a tenancy for a term exceeding 20 years, the person (other than a mortgagee not in possession) who is the lessee under that lease or tenant under that tenancy.
or
1021. Deputy Noel Grealish
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
further to Parliamentary Question No. 595 of 6 June 2012, if the household charge is a property tax rather than a charge for local services; if it is not a property tax, the reason the legislation says that certain buildings are not residential property for the purposes of Section 2(2) of the Household Charge (Local Government) Act 2011. [37025/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
The household charge is a charge levied on the ownership of property.
1022. Deputy Gerald Nash
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the date on which he intends to publish the heads of a Bill in respect of Climate Change legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37026/12]
1086. Deputy Kevin Humphreys
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he intends to attend the Doha Climate Change Conference in November 2012; if the heads of a Climate Change Bill be published before the conference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38207/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1022 and 1086 together.
1023. Deputy Brendan Ryan
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he will confirm a date for the publication of the Noise Nuisance Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37027/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to take further steps to address noise pollution, inter alia , through the introduction of fixed payment notices (also known as on-the-spot fines) and provision for mediation procedures between neighbours. The development of new noise legislation by my Department will be considered in the context of this commitment; however, as indicated in the Government Legislation Programme being published today, 18 September 2012, it is not possible at this time to indicate when the legislation will be published, having regard to other priorities in the area concerned and the broader range of legislative priorities to be progressed across my Department’s remit.
1024. Deputy Peadar Tóibín
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if his attention has been drawn to a situation in which local authority tenants are unable to get house insurance because they are not owners of the dwelling; if his further attention has been drawn to the anomaly whereby local authority tenants are liable for non structural damage including burst pipes but because they cannot get house insurance they are liable for severe costs should damage occur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37028/12]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O'Sullivan):
Local authorities, as landlords and owners of their social housing stock, are responsible for the maintenance and repair of rented properties, including necessary repairs resulting from burst pipes. Local authorities insure their properties in respect of public liability and risk associated with structural damage resulting from fire, storm damage etc.
1025. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the number of agencies, authorities, boards, committees, working groups, tribunals, council services, task forces, agencies or other quangos set up by his Department since February 2011; the number abolished since then; the extra cost of quangos which were established; the savings from the abolition of quangos; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37244/12]
1026. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the estimated cost of each quango in his Department; the amount expected to be saved from the mergers of quangos in his Department; the basis for this figure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37260/12]
1144. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the number of State bodies that have been set up since 9 March 2011; the rationale behind these decisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39996/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1025, 1026 and 1144 together.
Since March 2011 the following have been established by my Department:
- Three independent statutory Referendum Commissions, in accordance with the Referendum Act (1998);
- A Constituency Commission under the Electoral Act 1997 to review Dáil and European election constituencies;
- Local Government/Local Development Alignment Steering Group;
- Local Government Efficiency Review Implementation Group; Independent Group to review staffing levels in Cork City Council;
- Limerick Reorganisation Implementation Group;
- Tipperary Reorganisation Implementation Group;
- Waterford Local Government Committee;
- Historic Landfills Working Group;
- Waste Management Planning National Coordination Committee;
- Environmental Law Implementation Group;
- National Radon Strategy Group;
- Foreshore Advisory Group;
- National Co-ordination Committee on Unfinished Housing Developments;
- Joint Working Group on the transfer of Rent Supplement from the Department of Social Protection to this Department;
- Independent Panel to facilitate a resolution to the problem of pyrite;
- Local Authority Mortgage Arrears Guidance Group;
- Steering Group to oversee reform of the water sector;
- Inter-Departmental Group on Property Tax;
- Fix Your Street Review Group;
- The Local Government Audit Service & Office of the Comptroller & Auditor General Critical Review Group;
- The Private Residential Tenancies Board and the Property Services Regulatory Authority Critical Review Group;
- The Environmental Protection Agency and the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland Critical Review Group;
- Steering group to oversee independent assessment being undertaken by consultants on the establishment of a tenancy deposit protection scheme;
- Steering group to oversee independent review by consultants of Part V of the Planning and Development Acts;
- Interdepartmental Committee on the Implementation of Green Tenders – An Action Plan on Green Public Procurement;
- A review Group for the Environmental Protection Agency presented its report to me in May 2011;
- An Independent Group to review staffing levels in Dublin City Council presented its report to me in July 2011;
- The Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2012, which was recently passed by the Oireachtas, will facilitate my Department’s agency rationalisation programme, under which 21 agencies will be reduced to 11.
The Local Government Management Services Board and the Local Government Computer Services Board have merged with the establishment of the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA). The LGMA will also take on the residual functions from An Chomhairle Leabharlanna, which will be dissolved. The Fire Services Council’s term of office expired on 30 June, 2009. The work of the Council was absorbed into the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management within the Department.
The Limerick Regeneration Agencies were dissolved on 31 July and their functions taken over by the Office for Regeneration which has been established in Limerick City. The Regeneration Office has been set up with administrative support from Limerick City Council and reports directly to the new City/County Manager.
The Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency (HSCA) was established in 2012. It rationalises the functions of the National Building Agency (NBA), the Affordable Homes Partnership (AHP) and the Centre for Housing Research (CHR). The AHP and the CHR have been closed down and the NBA ceased operating in June 2011.
Comhar (Sustainable Development Council) was discontinued at the end of 2011 and its sustainable development role has been integrated into the work of the National Economic and Social Council (NESC).
The Dormant Accounts Board will be dissolved by the end of 2012 when the Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Act, 2012 is commenced.
The operations of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority (DDDA) will be wound up by the end of 2013. Under its recently appointed new Board, this transitional period will allow the Authority to progress elements of on-going work and to make the necessary preparations for the migration to new arrangements, to be decided by the Government.
At the end of June 2012, the total staff number employed by State agencies under my Department’s aegis was 768.2 whole time equivalents (WTE), a reduction of 182.8 WTE (19%) as compared to 951 at end 2008. The payroll savings associated with these staff reductions are estimated to be of the order of €9.74m.
The LGMA is financed by way of a levy on local authorities which reduced from €13.9m in 2008 to €11.4m in 2011, a reduction of €2.5m (18%). The new library unit in the LGMA, to replace An Chomhairle Leabharlanna, will operate with five staff while An Chomhairle had an original staff complement of eighteen. The dissolution of An Chomhairle Leabharlanna could provide a benefit to the State through the vacation of their Dublin city-centre headquarter buildings.
The NBA headquarters was sold in March 2012 for €2.84 million.
The agency rationalisation/efficiency agenda will be kept under review, taking account of the Public Service Reform Plan, insofar as other agencies under my Department’s aegis are concerned.
Information on the projected expenditure for Exchequer funded agencies under the aegis of my Department is published in the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2012. The summary table of Exchequer expenditure of non-commercial State agencies shows the provisional outturn for 2011 and the estimated expenditure for 2012.
1027. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the number of new jobs created by his Department as a result of the jobs initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37276/12]
1028. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the number of new jobs created by his Department as a result of the action plan on jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37292/12]
1029. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the number of new jobs created by his Department as a result of Budget 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37308/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1027 to 1029, inclusive, together.
While neither my Department nor the agencies under its aegis including local authorities have a direct role in the creation of new jobs under the Action Plan for Jobs, it does have a key role in supporting and stimulating economic activity, and aims to safeguard and assist jobs growth, in particular within the context of a sustainable environment and the development of the Green Economy in Ireland. Furthermore the Rural Development Programme (LEADER) delivered under my Department, aims to improve the quality of life and support the diversification of economic activity in rural areas. The Rural Development Programme (RDP) supports a broad range of activities including support for the creation and development of micro-enterprises in rural areas. The RDP for Ireland 2007- 2013 has a substantial budget of almost €400m, which represents a significant lever to stimulate economic development in rural areas. Over the next 4 years, it is projected that the LEADER Programme will assist in the creation of up to 6,000 new jobs.
In addition my Department's Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP), which commenced in January 2010, aims to tackle poverty and social exclusion through partnership and constructive engagement between Government and its agencies and people in disadvantaged communities. The Programme is underpinned by four high level goals, one of which, while not directly creating new jobs, is aimed at increasing peoples’ work readiness and employment prospects. In this regard, the table below outlines the number of individuals supported into employment and into self-employment in 2011 and the target for 2012.
LCDP | 2012 Targets | 2011 Outputs | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Individuals supported into employment | 966 | 5,613 | 1,121 | 6,163 |
| Individuals supported into self-employment | 4,647 | 5,042 | ||
1030. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the total amount spent on taxis by his Department since February 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37324/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
My Department has spent €40,102 on taxis since February 2011.
1031. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the number of press officers in his Department; the number of press officers in each agency under his auspices; the total cost of press officers in his Department and in agencies under his auspices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37340/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
The duties of the Press and Information Officer in my Department are undertaken by a Personal Assistant. The salary scale for a Personal Assistant to a Minister is €43,715 - €56,060. The Environmental Protection Agency employs one member of staff who is the primary media/press contact and who also has other duties at an annual salary of €54,329.
1032. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the total number of board appointees he has made since he came to office; the names, salaries and expenses of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37356/12]
1147. Deputy Gerald Nash
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the number of appointments that have been made to positions available on the boards of semi-State companies and statutory agencies following public advertisement; if he will provide details of the names of persons who have been appointed under this initiative and the agencies on which they now sit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40034/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1032 and 1147 together.
The information requested is outlined the following table:
| Agency / Board | Name of Appointee (Chairperson highlighted) | Remuneration |
|---|---|---|
| An Bord Pleanála | Dr. Mary Kelly (Chairperson) | PPC Rate €189,474 (non-PPC Rate €180,000) |
| Mr. Conall Boland (Deputy Chairperson) | PPC Rate €138,387 (non PPC Rate €126,718) | |
| Ms. Mary MacMahon | PPC Rate €116,935 to €127,588 (non PPC Rate €111,214 to €121,208) | |
| Mr. Michael Leary | ||
| Mr. Nicholas Mulcahy | ||
| Mr. Gabriel Dennison | ||
| Mr. Paddy Keogh | ||
| Building Regulation Advisory Board | Mr. Aidan O'Connor (Departmental representative) | Nil |
| Mr. Paul Kelly | Nil | |
| Mr. Conor Taaffe | Nil | |
| Dormant Accounts Board | Mr. Michael Morley (Chairperson) | €8,978.00 |
| Mr. Des Gunning | €5,985.00 | |
| Dublin Docklands Development Authority* | Dr Niamh Brennan | Nil |
| Mr Niall Coveney | €11,970.00 | |
| Mr Dónall Curtin | €11,970.00 | |
| Ms Yvonne Farrell | €11,970.00 | |
| Mr Mark Griffin (Departmental Representative) | Nil | |
| Mr Brendan Malone | €11,970.00 | |
| Ms Catherine Mullarkey | €11,970.00 | |
| Dublin Docklands Development Authority* | Dr. John Tierney (Chairperson) Dublin City Manager | Nil |
| Mr. Gerry Grimes | €11,970.00 | |
| Mr. Philip Matthews | €11,970.00 | |
| Ms. Lucy McCaffery | €11,970.00 | |
| Mr. Charlie Murphy | €11,970.00 | |
| Ms. Imelda Reynolds | €11,970.00 | |
| Mr. Michael Stubbs | €11,970.00 | |
| Mr. Frank Walsh | €11,970.00 | |
| Environmental Protection Agency | Ms. Laura Burke (Director General) | PPC Rate €164,464 (non-PPC Rate €156,240) |
| Housing Finance Agency | Dr. Michelle Norris (Chairperson) | €11,970.00 |
| Mr. John Hogan (Department of Finance nominee) | Nil | |
| Mr. Phillip Nugent (Departmental representative) | Nil | |
| Ms. Jackie Maguire (CCMA Representative) | Nil | |
| Mr. Colm Brophy | €7,695.00 | |
| Mr. Michael Murray | €7,695.00 | |
| Mr. Padraic Cafferty | €7,695.00 | |
| Dr. Mary Lee Rhodes | €7,695.00 | |
| Mr. Jim Miley | €7,695.00 | |
| Ms. Michelle Murphy Lawless | €7,695.00 | |
| Mr. Gerry Leahy | €7,695.00 | |
| Irish Water Safety | Ms. Breda Collins (Chairperson) | €8,978.00 |
| Mr. John Considine | Nil | |
| Mr. Michael Cuddihy | Nil | |
| Mr. Tom Doyle | Nil | |
| Mr. Brendan McGrath | Nil | |
| Mr. Paul Murphy | Nil | |
| Mr. Seamus O'Neill | Nil | |
| Mr. Martin O'Sullivan | Nil | |
| Ms. Anne Ryan | Nil | |
| Ms. Lola O'Sullivan | Nil | |
| Mr. Christy McDonagh | Nil | |
| Mr. Tim O'Sullivan (Departmental representative) | Nil | |
| Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency | Mr. Rich Howlin (Chairperson) | €11,970.00 |
| Mr. John O'Connor | Nil | |
| Mr. Eddie Lewis (Departmental representative) | Nil | |
| Ms. Marie McLaughlin (Department of Public Expenditure & Reform Representative) | Nil | |
| Mr. Peter Carey County Manager Laois County Council | Nil | |
| Ms. Ann McGuinness Retired County Manager, Westmeath County Council | €7,695.00 | |
| Local Government Computer Services Board | Mr. Eddie Breen (Chairperson) County Manager Wexford County Council | Nil |
| Mr. Michael Malone County Manager Kildare County Council | Nil | |
| Mr. Barry Quinlan (Departmental representative) | Nil | |
| Mr. Enda Holland (Department of Public Expenditure & Reform Representative) | Nil | |
| Local Government Management Services Board | Mr. Eddie Breen (Chairperson) County Manager Wexford County Council | Nil |
| Mr. Donal Enright (Departmental representative) | Nil | |
| Mr. Michael Malone County Manager Kildare County Council | Nil | |
| Mr. Barry Quinlan (Departmental representative) | Nil | |
| National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee | Mr. Tom Coughlan County Manager Clare County Council | Nil |
| Private Residential Tenancies Board | Mr. Tim Ryan | ** |
| Ms. Tricia Sheehy Skeffington | ** | |
| Ms. Paula O’Reilly (Departmental representative) | Nil | |
| Radiological Protection Institute Ireland | Professor William Reville (Chairperson) Professor of Biochemistry UCC (Retired) | €11,970.00 |
| Dr. Paraic James Senior Lecturer, DCU | €7,695.00 | |
| Dr. Maurice Fitzgerald Dental Council | €7,695.00 | |
| Dr. Patricia Cunningham Consultant Radiologist | €7,695.00 |
1033. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he will detail, in tabular form, the total photography costs for his Department since coming to office inclusive of costs incurred from use of the Ministerial allowance; the occasions for which photographers were booked; the photographers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion that a photographers was used; if there is a policy regarding the booking of photographers within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37372/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
My Department engaged the services of photographers on four occasions since February 2011. The details of the engagements are set out in the following table:
| Event | Photographer | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Irelands Best Kept Towns ceremony | Maxwell Photography | €932 |
| Tidy Towns National Awards ceremony | Maxwell Photography | €600 |
| Meeting of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management | Lensmen | €302 |
| Launch of Framework for Sustainable Development | Maxwell Photography | €485 |
1034. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he will detail in tabular form, the total cost of providing entertainment for his Department since coming to office inclusive of costs incurred from use of the Ministerial allowance; the occasions for which entertainment was provided; the entertainers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion; if there is a policy regarding the booking of entertainers within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37444/12]
1035. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the amount spent on food and drink by his Department; if he will provide a breakdown of what this involved; the occasions on which food and drink was provided; those present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37460/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1034 and 1035 together.
A breakdown of expenditure on entertainment for official business purposes by my Department since the appointment of the Government is set out in the following table.Description Meeting Expenses Lunches Evening Functions/Dinners/Receptions Total
These costs are primarily incurred in the day to day hosting of official meetings in respect of which the Department’s in-house catering facilities are substantially used. Further details of these costs, including the attendees at functions, are not readily available and, given the range of meetings conducted by my Department, would require a disproportionate amount of staff time and resources to compile. Staff are required to exercise the strictest economy when incurring entertainment costs, which are monitored in accordance with the provisions of Department of Finance Appendix of Circular 25/2000 Approved Expenditure Limits on Entertainment.
1036. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the amount spent on hair and make-up by his Department since he came to office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37476/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
My Department has not incurred any expenditure on hair and make-up since the formation of the Government in 2011.
1037. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the number and names of all special advisers, special press advisers, or any other type of Ministerial adviser in his Department; the name of the Minister / Minister of State to whom he reports; the salary of each advisor now; the salary of each advisor at the time they were appointed; if any salary increase was asked for; if this was granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37492/12]
1042. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the political activities of each special adviser, special press advisers, or any other type of Ministerial adviser in his Department; if any of them were members of a political party; if so the parties to which they belonged; if any of them are or have been elected local authority members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37573/12]
1122. Deputy John Halligan
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the number of advisors currently employed by his Department; if his Department has employed new advisors; and if so, the costs involved. [37872/12]
1146. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the names of special advisors for whom salary increases have been requested; the amount requested; the details of those granted increases and the amount by which they were increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40020/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1037, 1042, 1122 and 1146 together.
Appointments of Special Advisers to my Department were made in accordance with the Instructions on Ministerial Appointments for the 31st Dáil and sanctioned by the Taoiseach and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, where appropriate.
Details of numbers of Special Advisers employed, their salary on appointment and any increases in salary are set out in the following table.
Office | Special Adviser | Sanctioned Salary on appointment € | Salary increases since appointment* € |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minister Hogan | Claire Langton | 80,051 | 3,286 |
| Sean McKeown | 92,672 | None | |
| Minister of State O’Sullivan | Aidan Culhane | 80,051 | 3,286 |
1038. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he will provide detail in tabular form, the names of all external public relations and consultancy persons and organisations used by his Department for the years 2011 and 2010; the amount paid to each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37508/12]
1040. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he will detail in tabular form, the amount paid on external public relations and communications consultants since February 2011; the reason for the payment; the name of each organisation used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37541/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1038 and 1040 together.
My Department carries out various awareness campaigns and initiatives to promote public understanding and behaviour change, or to provide information. Details of the amounts paid in respect of hiring external public relations and consultancy persons and organisations for the years 2010 and 2011, and in the period since February 2011, are set out in the following table.
Company Name | Assignment | Expenditure 2010 | Expenditure 2011 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pembroke Communications | Promotion of sponsorship campaign for Tidy Towns Competition | €4,560 | €4,560 | |
| Mary Murphy & Associates | Climate Change Campaign | €59,391 | €59,391 | |
| Mary Murphy & Associates | Sustainable Innovation Forum | €26,425 | €26,425 |
1039. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the gross annual salary costs for his private and constituency offices at present; the same figures for this time last year; and the same figures for any Ministers of State in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37525/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
Staffing of my private and constituency offices and that of my colleague, Ms. Jan O’Sullivan, T.D., Minister of State, is in accordance with the agreed reduced staffing numbers set out in the Instructions on Ministerial Appointments for the 31st Dáil and the Guidelines on Staffing of Ministerial Offices of March 2011. During the period in question, former Minister of State Penrose held office from 10 March 2011 to 16 November 2011 and subsequently Minister of State O’Sullivan took up office on 20 December 2011. Minister of State O’Dowd had no staff assigned to his office in my Department in 2011 but has recently had one staff member assigned to his private office. The current gross annual salary costs for each office and the equivalent costs as at September 2011 are set out in the following table:
Office | September 2012 | September 2011 |
|---|---|---|
| Minister’s Private Office | €509,021 | €365,485 |
| Minister’s Constituency Office | €157,886 | €197,992 |
| Minister’s of State Private Office (O’Sullivan) | €325,670 | n/a |
| Minister’s of State Constituency Office (O’Sullivan) | €148,717 | n/a |
| Minister’s of State Private Office (O’Dowd) | €79,338 | n/a |
| Minister’s of State Private Office (Penrose) | n/a | €273,245 |
| Minister’s of State Constituency Office (Penrose) | n/a | €148,377 |
Question No. 1040 answered with Question No. 1038.
1041. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he will detail in tabular form, the amount paid to consultants since February 2011; the name of each organisation used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37557/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
The information requested is set out in the accompanying table:
| Purpose of Consultancy | Consultant | Amount Paid Since February 2011 |
|---|---|---|
| Retrofitting Code of Practice. | Building Research Establishment Ltd | €27,635 |
| Testing of Hydraulic Efficiency - national annex for septic tanks and wastewater treatment. | Irish Concrete Federation Ltd | €2,270 |
| Sound insulation research to inform the drafting of Part E (Sound) of the Building Regulations. | Napier University Ventures Ltd. | €1,423 |
| Preparation and delivery of a training manual and programme for the implementation of the new Part M (Access and Use) of Building Regulations. | O'Herlihy Consultancy | €14,337 |
| Advise on, and assist tendering process for, Tidy Towns sponsorship. | Pembroke Communications | €4,560 |
| Review of the management by the Department of an application by Wicklow County Council for loan approval in respect of the compulsory purchase of land at Charlesland, Co. Wicklow. | Mr. Seamus Woulfe SC | €19,680 |
| Advisor to the Dormant Accounts Board. | Mr. David Lovegrove | €13,271 |
| Negotiation of the conclusion of lease arrangements for the storage of electronic voting machines. | DTZ Sherry Fitzgerald | €2,783 |
| Feasibility study to inform the design of a main stage national evaluation of the Local and Community Development Programme. | SQW Limited | €43,999 |
| Analysis of Property Tax Options - A report to the Interdepartmental Expert Group on Property Tax. | Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) | €60,280 |
| Provision of valuation services in respect of foreshore lease and licence applications. | Lisney | €58,814 |
| Legal advice on tender and contract documentation for the provision of a premium rate weather service. | A&L Goodbody Solicitors | €10,374 |
| Archaelogical report on Met Éireann site at Valentia. | Barrow Archaeological Services | €1,210 |
| Environmental and engineering advice, EIS Screening Report and planning submission for site at Valentia. | Malachy Walsh & Partners | €19,531 |
| Archaeological Investigation/Works. | Munster Archaeology | €24,258 |
| Recertification audit (Met Éireann) of ISO9001:2008. | National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) | €3,993 |
| Surveillance Audit on IS EN ISO 2012. | National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) | €2,706 |
| Study in respect of provision of fire detection and alarms systems in dwellings. | ARUP Consulting Engineers | €29,935 |
| Review of Homelessness Services in Dublin Region. | Murtagh & Partners | €27,800 |
| Review of the Homeless Strategy 2008-2013 | Dr. Eoin O'Sullivan, Trinity College Dublin. | €6,000 |
| Provision of expertise concerning Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment techniques for the evaluation and revision of Regional Waste Management Plans. | RPS | €36,251 |
| Operation of the National Litter Pollution Monitoring System (NLPMS). | Tobin Consulting Engineers | €99,504 |
| Ambient air monitoring in the vicinity of the former steelworks site, Haulbowline, Cork. | White Young Green | €13,005 |
| Consultancy services on establishment of National Water Utility. | Price Waterhouse Coopers | €131,614 |
Question No. 1042 answered with Question No. 1037.
1043. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the amount spent by his Department on drivers and Ministerial transport since February 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37589/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
My Department has spent €275,389 on ministerial transport arrangements since the formation of the Government.
1044. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the total amount spent since February 2011 on external reports commissioned by his Department, including payments from Ministerial allowances, details of the consultants employed and costs of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37621/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
Information on external reports commissioned and funded by my Department is set out in the accompanying table:
Description of Report | Consultant etc. | Amount Spent Since February 2011 |
|---|---|---|
| Retrofitting Code of Practice. | Building Research Establishment Ltd. | €27,365 |
| Sound insulation research to inform the drafting of Part E (Sound) of the Building Regulations. | Napier University Ventures Ltd. | €1,423 |
| Report of the Pyrite Panel - independent report to provide options to deal with the pyrite problem. | Pyrite Panel | €21,470 |
| 2011 Report of the Dormant Accounts Board. | Mr. David Lovegrove | €13,271 |
| Review of the management by the Department of an application by Wicklow County Council for loan approval in respect of the compulsory purchase of land at Charlesland, Co. Wicklow. | Mr. Seamus Woulfe SC | €19,680 |
| Bulky Waste Reuse Best Practice - Feasibility Study. | Fehilly Timoney & Company | €41,514 |
| Crop Demo Trials to demonstrate the use of composted and anaerobic digested BMW on crops. | Methanogen | €115,594 |
| Recovered Paper Market in Ireland and Recovered Paper Quality Best Practice Studies. | Poyry Forest Industry Consulting | €85,003 |
| Compost Quality Standard IS441 (NSAI). | RPS | €10,000 |
| Irish Recycled Plastic Waste Arisings Study. | SKM Enviros | €37,566 |
| Evaluation of ICT disaster recovery configuration and capability. | Version 1 | €9,363 |
| Feasibility study to inform the design of a main stage national evaluation of the Local and Community Development Programme. | SQW Limited | €43,999 |
| Analysis of Property Tax Options - A report to the Interdepartmental Expert Group on Property Tax. | Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) | €60,280 |
| Archaelogical report on Met Éireann site at Valentia. | Barrow Archaeological Services | €1,210 |
| EIS Screening Report for site at Valentia. | Malachy Walsh & Partners | €6,336 |
| Report on archaeological investigation/survey. | Munster Archaeology | €24,258 |
| Report of Survillance Audit on IS EN ISO 2012. | National Standards Authority Ireland (NSAI) | €2,706 |
| Study in respect of provision of fire detection and alarm systems in dwellings. | ARUP Consulting Engineers | €29,935 |
| Review of the Homeless Strategy 2008-2013. | Dr. Eoin O'Sullivan, Trinity College Dublin | €6,000 |
| Review of Homelessness Services in Dublin Region. | Murtagh & Partners | €27,800 |
| Provision of expertise concerning Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment techniques for the evaluation and revision of Regional Waste Management Plans. | RPS | €36,251 |
| Operation of National Litter Pollution Monitoring System. | Tobin Consulting Engineers | €99,504 |
| Ambient air monitoring in the vicinity of the former steelworks site, Haulbowline, Cork. | White Young Green | €13,005 |
| Consultancy services on establishment of National Water Utility. | Price Waterhouse Coopers | €131,614 |
1045. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
his views on a planning matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37641/12]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O'Sullivan):
I have no involvement in the implementation of planning legislation in particular cases. However, under the legislation it is open to the National Roads Authority, as it is to any person or body who made a submission, to appeal the decision of a planning authority to An Bord Pleanála.
1046. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if, in the context of the recent report of the Pyrite Panel, all houses in the 74 identified estates in the report are to be tested for pyrite; and, if not, the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37658/12]
1070. Deputy Patrick Nulty
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
in relation to the Pyrite Panel Report if he has adopted a definition of what constitutes significant damage; the way in which homeowners confirm which category they are in terms of the red and amber categories; the way in which and when he intends to clarify this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37940/12]
1071. Deputy Patrick Nulty
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
in relation to homes affected by pyrite the way in which he proposes that the issue of sulphate attack will be investigated and remedied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37941/12]
1072. Deputy Patrick Nulty
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he will introduce the standard of less than 0.5% maximum acceptable level of pyrite in infill building material subject to the conditions outlined on page 93 of the Report of the Pyrite Panel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37942/12]
1075. Deputy Patrick Nulty
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the way the issue of pyrite in block will be investigated and remedied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37945/12]
1077. Deputy Patrick Nulty
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he proposes to deal with homeowners who have spent considerable sums of money on pyrite testing if their tests do not conform to the new protocol being developed by the National Standards Authority of Ireland; if he will put in place a pyrite testing scheme at no expense to homeowners to ensure that the full extent of the pyrite problem is identified and remedied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37947/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1046, 1070, 1071, 1072, 1075 and 1077 together.
- testing and categorisation of reactive pyrite in sub-floor hardcore material,
1047. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he has asked stakeholders to provide an interim report detailing progress made on the pyrite crisis in consultation with pyrite-affected homeowners and their representatives; and, if not, the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37659/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
The pyrite report pointed to the need for Government to ensure that responsible stakeholders should engage constructively in processes to deliver effective solutions for homeowners and should bear the costs of remediation. On receiving the pyrite report I engaged with the key stakeholders outlining my position to them in the context of what I expected from them. I set a deadline of the end of September for them to come back to me with credible proposals to provide solutions for homeowners. In setting this deadline, I was conscious of the need to make progress as quickly as possible having regard to the difficult situation in which affected homeowners find themselves. In view of the tight timeframe and the complexity of the issues being considered, I did not believe that requiring an interim report would be constructive or beneficial.
1048. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if draft legislation has been prepared to impose levies on any stakeholder who has failed to cooperate or implement a required action by an agreed deadline as outlined in the report of the Pyrite Panel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37660/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
My preferred approach to advancing solutions for homeowners affected by pyrite is for responsible stakeholders to take ownership of the problem and work with me to provide an industry-led solution for homeowners. In this regard I have set a deadline of the end of September for the relevant stakeholders to come back to me with credible proposals. However, in the absence of positive outcomes from my engagement with the stakeholders I will consider asking Government to examine the imposition of a mandatory levy on the construction/quarrying sector and related insurance sector to fund the prospective Resolution Board, as envisaged in the pyrite report.
1049. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he will clarify the status of multi-unit developments and apartments in the pyrite remediation and resolution process given that ground floor dwellings are referred to in the Report of the Pyrite Panel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37661/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
The Pyrite Panel undertook a desktop study to establish facts in relation to the potential exposure to pyrite in private dwellings, including apartments and duplexes. As the pyrite problem relates to under-floor hardcore stone fill only ground floors in apartments and duplexes were considered.
1050. Deputy Nicky McFadden
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
when a site resolution plan will be put in place for development (details supplied) in County Westmeath so that the development will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37740/12]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O'Sullivan):
Site Resolution Plans have been identified by the National Coordination Committee on Unfinished Housing Developments as a key tool in resolving issues associated with unfinished housing developments. Such plans enable developers to work with local authorities, financial institutions, NAMA and residents in determining how best to pursue resolution of problematic sites. The process also entails working with stakeholders in identifying the best long-term solution for developments in terms of their configuration, use of vacant buildings and ownership. Such solutions also take account of the best interests of residents. My Department is advised by Westmeath County Council that a Site Resolution Plan for this estate will be completed shortly.
1051. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he will supply a list of all Labour Court recommendations that have been issued in respect of his Department and organisations under his aegis that have not been complied with in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37752/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
There are no Labour Court recommendations that have been issued in respect of my Department or agency under its aegis that have not been complied with.
1052. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he will provide a list of all Labour Court recommendations that have been issued in respect of local authorities that have not been complied with in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37766/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
Implementation of Labour Court Recommendations, by individual local authorities, is a matter for the local authority concerned.
1053. Deputy Peter Mathews
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
his plans (details supplied) in respect of the non-principal private residence charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37775/12]
1058. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
his views on correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37847/12]
1104. Deputy Peter Mathews
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he will permit the non principal private residence charge to be paid quarterly in order to help landlords that are facing financial difficulties to meet their obligations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38787/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1053, 1058 and 1104 together.
1054. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he will provide details of the additional allocations under the rural water programme to various local authorities in addition to the programme announced earlier in the year and if additional funds have been allocated to this programme or if it is a re-allocation of resources between local authorities within the overall programme; if he will confirm the total allocation under this programme for 2012; if he will provide the list of the original allocations plus any additional allocations for each local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37796/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
Some €40 million in Exchequer funding was allocated to the Rural Water Programme in 2012.
In March 2012, my Department notified local authorities, who have responsibility for the administration of the Rural Water Programme, of block grant allocations totalling €31.625 million. This consisted of €20.010 million towards group water schemes and €11.615 million towards small public water and wastewater schemes. The balance was held to meet commitments from previous years, including commitments on grants approved in respect of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Remedial Action List.
Following a mid year review of the programme, some local authorities were notified in August of additional allocations totalling over €3 million. Details of the allocations notified to each local authority in March 2012 and the additional allocations notified in August 2012 are set out in the following table.
Total Allocation Notified March 2012 | Allocation Notified August 2012 | Total Allocation per county | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Local Authorities | Group Schemes | Public Schemes | Group Schemes | Public Schemes | |
| Carlow | 256,000.00 | 288,000.00 | 10,000.00 | 97,000.00 | 651,000.00 |
| Cavan | 200,000.00 | 308,000.00 | 508,000.00 | ||
| Clare | 355,000.00 | 379,000.00 | 734,000.00 | ||
| Cork (full county) | 1,552,000.00 | 1,552,000.00 | |||
| Cork (North) | 165,000.00 | 165,000.00 | |||
| Cork (South) | 150,000.00 | 150,000.00 | |||
| Cork (West) | 100,000.00 | 100,000.00 | |||
| Donegal | 800,000.00 | 350,000.00 | 1,150,000.00 | ||
| Galway | 5,100,000.00 | 1,044,000.00 | 6,144,000.00 | ||
| Kerry | 1,209,000.00 | 828,500.00 | 90,000.00 | 2,127,500.00 | |
| Kildare | 110,000.00 | 290,000.00 | 400,000.00 | ||
| Kilkenny | 286,000.00 | 329,000.00 | 46,000.00 | 150,000.00 | 811,000.00 |
| Laois | 9,000.00 | 250,000.00 | 310,156.00 | 50,000.00 | 619,156.00 |
| Leitrim | 1,200,000.00 | 500,000.00 | 115,000.00 | 170,000.00 | 1,985,000.00 |
| Limerick | 422,000.00 | 334,000.00 | 100,000.00 | 856,000.00 | |
| Longford | 164,000.00 | 226,000.00 | 7,019.61 | 178,844.13 | 575,863.74 |
| Louth | 76,000.00 | 250,000.00 | 95,000.00 | 421,000.00 | |
| Mayo | 5,430,000.00 | 502,500.00 | 602,109.63 | 6,534,609.63 | |
| Meath | 72,000.00 | 548,000.00 | 620,000.00 | ||
| Monaghan | 25,000.00 | 250,000.00 | 100,000.00 | 375,000.00 | |
| North Tipperary | 450,000.00 | 250,000.00 | 252,187.00 | 952,187.00 | |
| Offaly | 22,000.00 | 500,000.00 | 125,000.00 | 647,000.00 | |
| Roscommon | 1,750,000.00 | 250,000.00 | 2,000,000.00 | ||
| Sligo | 310,000.00 | 295,000.00 | 145,000.00 | 750,000.00 | |
| South Tipperary | 95,000.00 | 317,000.00 | 412,000.00 | ||
| Waterford | 101,000.00 | 662,000.00 | 200,000.00 | 963,000.00 | |
| Westmeath | 72,000.00 | 216,000.00 | 46,000.00 | 161,625.00 | 495,625.00 |
| Wexford | 481,000.00 | 589,000.00 | 360,000.00 | 1,430,000.00 | |
| Wicklow | 600,000.00 | 307,000.00 | 907,000.00 | ||
1055. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the current position regarding the abolition of Pobal and merging of their functions with local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37819/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
There are no plans to abolish Pobal, which delivers a range of publicly and EU funded programmes on an out-sourced basis on behalf of a number of Government Departments. It also delivers funding on behalf of a number of Departments involved in supporting services in the not-for-profit, community and voluntary sectors, and is in a unique position to bring considerable value-added because of its comprehensive knowledge of the sectors. The central administration and integration of services offered by the Company across the various programmes with integrated staffing resources, is a considerable strength which would not be easily replicated if Departments separately implemented programmes.
Pobal administers a number of Programmes on behalf of my Department, including the Local and Community Development Programme. In line with commitments in the Programme for Government, and in the context of the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure, I established a Steering Group last year to examine the scope for greater alignment between the local government and local development sectors. I am currently considering its recommendations, with a view to maximising efficiency and cost effectiveness in the delivery of services for communities.
1056. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he will provide details of the number of people employed in each local authority with a disability and the number of people that have been employed with a disability since 1 January 2011 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37826/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
The number of employees with a disability in each local authority as at 31 December 2011 is set out in the table below. My Department collects information on an annual basis regarding the number of persons with a disability employed in each local authority.
Local Authority | Number of Employees with a Disability as at 31 December 2011 |
|---|---|
| Carlow Co Council | 8 |
| Cavan Co Council | 31 |
| Clare Co Council | 41 |
| Cork Co Council | 79 |
| Donegal Co Council | 33 |
| Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown | 45 |
| Fingal Co Council | 61 |
| Galway Co Council | 32 |
| Kerry Co Council | 71 |
| Kildare Co Council | 41 |
| Kilkenny Co Council | 24 |
| Laois Co Council | 12 |
| Leitrim Co Council | 14 |
| Limerick Co Council | 27 |
| Longford Co Council | 13 |
| Louth Co Council | 45 |
| Mayo Co Council | 73 |
| Meath Co Council | 27 |
| Monaghan Co Council | 20 |
| Offaly Co Council | 16 |
| Roscommon Co Council | 21 |
| Sligo Co Council | 11 |
| South Dublin Co Council | 45 |
| North Tipperary Co Council | 15 |
| South Tipperary Co Council | 26 |
| Waterford Co Council | 17 |
| Westmeath Co Council | 36 |
| Wexford Co Council | 46 |
| Wicklow Co Council | 24 |
| Cork City Council | 57 |
| Dublin City Council | 311 |
| Galway City Council | 23 |
| Limerick City Council | 13 |
| Waterford City Council | 27 |
1057. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the position regarding recruiting persons with a disability; the number of persons currently employed in his Department; the number of persons with a disability that have been employed since 1 January 2011 to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37836/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
Part 5 of the Disability Act 2005 requires all public bodies, in so far as practicable, to take all reasonable measures to promote and support employment by them of people with disabilities. Unless there are good reasons to the contrary, public bodies are required to employ 3% of staff with disabilities and report every year on compliance. As of December 2011, my Department exceeded this target with 4% of staff declaring a disability. My Department currently employs 761 whole time equivalent staff.
Question No. 1058 answered with Question No. 1053.
1059. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he will consider making provision for decisions of local authorities which are made by way of managers' orders are published and are made available on the local authorities’ website rather than the current arrangement where access is quite restricted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37854/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
The provisions for Managers’ Orders are set out in Section 151 of the Local Government Act 2001. The manager is required to keep a register, with a copy of every order made by him or her. At every meeting of a local authority so much of the register as contains any orders made since the previous meeting must be made available for inspection by the elected council.
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
Question No. 1060 answered with Question No. 86.
1061. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
when it is intended to hold the next meeting of the National Rapid Coordinating committee; if he intends attending this meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37856/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
I understand that arrangements are being made to hold a RAPID National Monitoring Committee meeting this autumn, which I hope to attend, subject to diary and Dáil commitments. The RAPID Programme aims to ensure that priority attention is given to tackling the spatial concentration of poverty and social exclusion within designated RAPID areas nationally.
1062. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he intends running a module for flagship projects using dormant account funding similar to that delivered by the previous government in view of the success of the previous round of funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37857/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
Disbursements on dormant accounts measures are paid in the first instance “up front” from Departmental Votes in the same way as with any other spending programme. Therefore, Government Departments have to source funding for dormant accounts programmes from their annual Exchequer allocations.
1063. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the amount of money allocated to each Leader Company broken down between administration and project expenditure; the amount approved for expenditure by each company to date for project expenditure; the expenditure to date in each company broken down between administration and project expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37858/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
There is an ongoing system of monitoring and review of all systems and processes used to implement Axes 3 & 4 of the Rural Development Programme (RDP) by my Department and this has recently resulted in a suite of amendments to the programme. These amendments provide scope for Local Development Companies (LDCs) to have greater flexibility to deliver actions that support the achievement of the objectives of their local development strategies and thereby increase the likelihood of the success of the programme. My Department is responsible for ensuring that the aims and objectives of the RDP are achieved and has implemented systems which reflect this new approach and which will support LDCs in delivering the RDP in an efficient and effective way in their local areas. This approach, supported by the European Commission, will also ensure that the financial resources available through the RDP are used to their full potential. The increase in the EU co-financing rate to 85% for Axes 3 & 4 of the RDP, which applies to expenditure in 2012 and 2013, will also have an impact on the Programme complement, the outcome of which will become more apparent as expenditure progresses in 2013.
The information requested is set out in the following table.
| LAG | Original allocation | Original Project Allocation | Original Administration Allocation | Project Expenditure approved to date | Project Expenditure to date | Administration Expenditure to date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avondhu/ Blackwater Partnership Limited (Cork East) | 9,057,810 | 7,246,248 | 1,811,562 | 3,830,647.43 | 2,722,653.07 | 1,071,827.95 |
| Ballyhoura Development Limited (Limerick East & North Cork) | 11,673,519 | 9,338,816 | 2,334,703 | 9,267,048.88 | 4,058,454.30 | 1,734,673.20 |
| Carlow County Development Partnership Limited | 8,878,177 | 7,102,542 | 1,775,635 | 3,052,847.10 | 2,482,948.17 | 1,130,324.31 |
| Cavan Partnership Ltd. & County Monaghan Area Partnership Ltd. | 12,035,118 | 9,628,095 | 2,407,023 | 3,907,189.99 | 2,114,191.44 | 1,339,980.57 |
| Clare Local Development Company Limited | 14,028,529 | 11,222,823 | 2,805,706 | 7,157,462.00 | 4,057,534.00 | 1,666,112.87 |
| Comhar na nOileáin Teoranta | 4,642,415 | 3,713,932 | 928,483 | 2,223,699.72 | 1,299,568.76 | 684,559.87 |
| Donegal Local Development Company Limited | 12,831,901 | 10,265,521 | 2,566,380 | 4,868,923.61 | 2,666,557.01 | 1,514,313.76 |
| Fingal LEADER Partnership (Dublin Rural) | 7,766,780 | 6,213,424 | 1,553,356 | 2,106,834.67 | 617,984.07 | 799,727.20 |
| FORUM Connemara | 9,668,965 | 7,735,172 | 1,933,793 | 2,492,928.53 | 1,420,230.14 | 906,515.46 |
| Galway Rural Development Company Limited | 15,257,985 | 12,206,388 | 3,051,597 | 6,021,338.73 | 3,593,476.54 | 1,441,471.98 |
| Inishowen Development Partnership | 8,286,143 | 6,628,914 | 1,657,229 | 3,889,308.00 | 2,549,770.48 | 910,764.17 |
| I.R.D. Duhallow | 10,315,943 | 8,252,754 | 2,063,189 | 6,123,743.87 | 2,788,209.60 | 1,214,509.63 |
| Kildare (Cill Dara ar Aghaidh Teoranta) | 12,282,448 | 9,825,958 | 2,456,490 | 3,168,475.76 | 1,561,271.21 | 1,460,070.64 |
| County Kilkenny LEADER Partnership Limited | 11,523,729 | 9,218,983 | 2,304,746 | 5,545,580.99 | 3,166,770.14 | 1,453,259.15 |
| Laois Community & Enterprise Development Company Limited | 10,993,608 | 8,794,887 | 2,198,721 | 3,898,966.14 | 2,230,002.24 | 1,100,284.55 |
| Leitrim Integrated Development Company | 10,845,497 | 8,676,398 | 2,169,099 | 4,106,213.84 | 2,170,181.49 | 1,218,472.74 |
| Longford Community Resources Limited | 8,714,110 | 6,971,288 | 1,742,822 | 3,441,778.76 | 1,963,862.26 | 845,718.32 |
| Louth LEADER Partnership | 8,839,815 | 7,071,852 | 1,767,963 | 2,792,239.36 | 1,894,917.21 | 1,069,314.99 |
| Mayo North East LEADER Partnership Company Teoranta | 10,751,894 | 8,601,515 | 2,150,379 | 4,193,555.99 | 2,583,201.91 | 1,162,576.54 |
| Meath Partnership | 12,748,771 | 10,199,017 | 2,549,754 | 4,987,795.67 | 2,430,433.40 | 1,677,464.64 |
| M.F.G. (Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta Teoranta) | 17,278,809 | 13,823,048 | 3,455,761 | 4,169,606.03 | 1,968,042.53 | 1,441,051.55 |
| North & East Kerry LEADER Partnership Teoranta | 10,558,882 | 8,447,106 | 2,111,776 | 3,635,886.02 | 2,184,413.10 | 1,257,808.82 |
| North Tipperary LEADER Partnership Company | 9,708,008 | 7,411,407 | 2,296,601 | 5,592,664.43 | 3,360,435.74 | 1,038,825.27 |
| Offaly Integrated Local Development Company | 11,520,489 | 9,216,392 | 2,304,097 | 4,637,695.12 | 2,761,624.15 | 1,233,477.83 |
| Roscommon Integrated Development Company | 12,838,021 | 10,270,417 | 2,567,604 | 4,877,858.88 | 2,835,447.32 | 1,487,153.33 |
| County Sligo LEADER Partnership Company | 10,888,673 | 8,710,939 | 2,177,734 | 5,507,668.44 | 3,574,141.25 | 1,168,461.11 |
| South East Cork Area Development Limited | 10,641,494 | 8,513,196 | 2,128,298 | 4,562,631.69 | 3,096,641.38 | 1,187,189.19 |
| South Kerry Development Partnership Limited | 12,370,667 | 9,896,534 | 2,474,133 | 3,152,566.94 | 1,940,793.86 | 1,563,591.04 |
| South Tipperary Local Development Company Limited | 11,106,187 | 8,884,950 | 2,221,237 | 6,266,797.45 | 2,881,426.33 | 1,217,735.08 |
| South West Mayo Development Company Limited | 12,150,007 | 9,720,006 | 2,430,001 | 4,464,132.53 | 3,435,618.66 | 1,451,335.16 |
| Waterford LEADER Partnership Limited | 10,558,519 | 8,446,815 | 2,111,704 | 4,637,698.01 | 2,930,540.98 | 1,275,419.90 |
| West Cork Development Partnership | 14,601,149 | 11,680,920 | 2,920,229 | 5,297,645.98 | 3,147,130.30 | 1,710,569.94 |
| West Limerick Resources | 9,997,751 | 7,998,201 | 1,999,550 | 3,818,617.59 | 1,976,346.64 | 1,236,936.81 |
| Westmeath Community Development | 10,987,060 | 8,789,648 | 2,197,412 | 2,925,827.18 | 1,787,569.28 | 1,219,956.08 |
| Wexford Local Development | 12,515,565 | 10,012,452 | 2,503,113 | 5,713,897.35 | 3,394,727.18 | 1,272,856.16 |
| County Wicklow Partnership | 11,135,560 | 8,908,448 | 2,227,112 | 2,939,631.00 | 1,966,345.00 | 1,167,356.67 |
| Total | 399,999,998 | 319,645,006 | 80,354,992 | 159,277,404 | 91,613,461 | 44,164,309.81 |
1064. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the date of all meetings that have been held of Comhairle na Tuaithe since March 2011; the number of these meetings he attended; the proposed date for the next meeting of Comhairle na Tuaithe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37859/12]
1117. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the number of meetings held since its inception of Comhairle na Tuaithe; the date of each meeting; his attendance or otherwise at these meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37866/12]
1118. Deputy Brendan Smith
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the progress made by Comhairle na Tuaithe since March 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37867/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1064, 1117 and 1118 together.
From March 2011 to date, meetings of Comhairle na Tuaithe were held on 5 October and 7 December 2011 and on 8 February and 4 April 2012. The next meeting of Comhairle na Tuaithe is scheduled for 20 September 2012. All of these meetings to date have been chaired by my Department, and I have not been present at them.
Comhairle na Tuaithe (The Countryside Council) continuously supports and oversees the implementation of the National Countryside Recreation Strategy and its associated schemes, programmes and activities. Since March 2011 progress has been made on a number of issues including;
Mountain Access
A Pilot Mountain Access scheme has been developed, Its purpose is to facilitate access to the uplands for hill walking and similar activities. Pilot schemes have been developed at Mount Gable in Connemara where 94 landowners are involved; a second pilot is under development in Carrauntoohil and the MacGillicuddy Reeks in Co. Kerry. This pilot is currently being expanded from an initial 8/10 landowners to approximately 150 landowners and will encompass an area of about 1002Km . An indemnity scheme for landowners is a requirement of this process.
Indemnity Scheme
A National Indemnity Scheme for Landowners to facilitate access to private lands for recreation and tourism purposes is currently under development in association with the State Claims Agency following approval by Comhairle Na Tuaithe.
Access Issues
An Access and Public Liability document which has been prepared through Comhairle na Tuaithe is currently with the Attorney General’s Office. I anticipate that this document will be available to the public in the coming weeks, to provide clarification to landowners and recreational users regarding access to private lands and the situation regarding public liability.
National Countryside Recreation Strategy
Comhairle na Tuaithe has agreed a list of the top ten priorities of the National Countryside Recreadion Strategy and partners have taken positions to support delivery of these agreed actions.
State Agencies
Through Comhairle na Tuaithe various state agencies with land holdings have come together to produce a draft National Outdoor Recreation Plan for Public Lands and Waters in Ireland. Together they have identified a vision, objectives and a common approach to managing, maintaining, facilitating and developing outdoor recreation opportunities on Ireland’s publicly owned lands. The draft plan has been prepared by the Department and those bodies that are public land and waterway owners or fishery owners, together with other organisations that set policy or support developments in outdoor recreation. When finalised it will form part of the implementation of the National Countryside Recreation Strategy. I expect negotiations on the final version of the plan to be concluded shortly.
Walks Scheme
The Walks Scheme continues to be implemented and currently has 1,805 participants on over 40 trails; this includes 20 National Way Marked Ways and 20 Fáilte Ireland Looped Walks and other priority walks that traverse both public and private lands. These participant landowners received €1.91m in annual maintenance payments in 2011 to maintain these trails.
New Contracts with Local Development Companies
New Service Level Agreements have been signed with 12 Local Development Companies for the delivery of the National Countryside Recreation Strategy at county level and continuing implementation of the Walks Scheme and other appropriate schemes and actions to implement the priority objectives of the Strategy. These agreements have facilitated the continuation of the role of the Rural Recreation Officers to maintain their profile and the good work that has been acomplished to date.
I anticipate that Comhairle na Tuaithe and its constituent members and stakeholders will continue their work on the delivery of the National Countryside Recreation Strategy over the coming months. I would like to express my appreciation for work and commitment of the various stakeholders to date.
Question No. 1065 answered with Question No. 1008.
1066. Deputy Patrick Nulty
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the number of developers being refused planning permissions under Section 35 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended by the Planning and Development Act 2010, which provides for the refusal of planning permission by a local authority where the authority is satisfied that a person is not in compliance with a previous permission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37935/12]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O'Sullivan):
My Department collates and publishes a wide range of housing and planning statistics that inform the preparation and evaluation of policy, and those data are available on my Department’s website www.environ.ie . Data on the number of refusals made under section 35 of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2010 are not included within that range.
1067. Deputy Patrick Nulty
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he will introduce a system of mandatory registration of builders and property developers; if builders and developers who fail to discharge their responsibilities with regard to existing and previous developments will be barred from registration under such a system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37936/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
My Department is currently considering the question of a registration process for house builders/contractors and has held discussions on the matter with the Construction Industry Federation. The CIF has been invited to prepare a paper setting out proposals for such a scheme. My Department has indicated that such a scheme should be in keeping with competition law, include strong quality assurance checks, provide strong consumer protection, have the cover of insurance and not add excessively to the economic cost of house construction/purchase/rental.
1068. Deputy Patrick Nulty
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he will introduce a waiver from the household charge and forthcoming property tax for homeowners affected by pyrite until such time as their developments have been fully remediated; if this waiver will apply retrospectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37938/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and the Local Government (Household Charge) Regulations 2012 provide the legislation underpinning the household charge. The legislation provides for a number of exemptions and waivers from payment of the household charge. The waivers which apply concern -
While there is no specific exemption for properties affected by pyrite, the owner of a property which is not occupied or suitable for occupation on the liability date would not be liable for the household charge.· Owners of residential property entitled to mortgage interest supplement, and
· Owners of houses in certain unfinished housing estates.
I have recently published the report of the independent Pyrite Panel. The Pyrite Report recommends that consideration be given to providing an exemption from the proposed property tax, for a set period, for dwellings where damage from pyritic heave has been proved by testing. While the Government will have regard to this recommendation as appropriate in the context of the proposed property tax legislation, no decisions have been made as yet on the details of the local property tax, including what exemptions might apply.
1069. Deputy Patrick Nulty
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he will introduce regulations regarding structural insurance, home insurance and insurance for building projects and quarries to ensure that there is adequate consumer protection as per recommendations 22, 16 and 19 in the Pyrite Report; if he will further ensure that the insurer in these instances will be entirely independent of the entity responsible for construction and of the building industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37939/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
My Department has no regulatory function in the area of insurance or insurance based products but will, however, be working with the appropriate regulatory bodies to advance the recommendations in the pyrite report in relation to these issues.
Questions Nos. 1070-1072, inclusive, answered with Question No. 1046.
1073. Deputy Patrick Nulty
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he has requested Bord Gáis networks to inspect and monitor potential leaks due to upheaval from pyrite in all 74 known developments affected by pyrite in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37943/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
My Department was in contact with Bord Gáis earlier this year in regard to estates affected by pyrite and, following a review of the estates notified to them, no unusual leak activity was detected. The management of the network is of course a matter for Bord Gáis. In line with normal safety practices, Bord Gáis would advise customers to have gas installations checked annually and, in any case, if a leak is suspected or there is a smell of gas, to notify them immediately.
Question No. 1074 answered with Question No. 1017.
Question No. 1075 answered with Question No. 1046.
Question No. 1076 answered with Question No. 1017.
Question No. 1077 answered with Question No. 1046.
1078. Deputy Patrick Nulty
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he accepts the recommendations of the City and County Managers' Association that where pyrite problems are found, the sooner the matter is dealt with the better since the costs of remedial work escalate the longer one waits to carry out the work and if he will act on this accordingly; if he will act on the CCMA recommendations 8.1.3 to 8.1.7 for a planned notification system so that in locations where pyrite problems have occurred this information should be used to notify other property owners and to ensure screening surveys are carried out with a view to detecting problems as early as possible and informing people what action they need to take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37948/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
The recommendations referred to arose in the context of a submission to the independent Pyrite Panel established by me to assist in the task of identifying a way forward in relation to the problem of homes affected by pyritic heave. I am assured that all submissions received were fully considered by the Panel in coming to its conclusions and recommendations as outlined in its comprehensive report. The report provides me and the other stakeholders with a detailed framework to move forward towards achieving a solution for homeowners and I have already begun this process.
Question No. 1079 answered with Question No. 1017.
1080. Deputy Patrick Nulty
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
in view of the fact that according to the Pyrite Report, at present only dwellings where a complaint has been submitted to the structural warranty provider are being considered for remediation, if he proposes to disregard the 10 year warranty limit, given the long time frame over which pyrite damage can materialise and given that HomeBond's publically stated position since August 2011 is that it does not cover pyrite damage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37950/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
The figure of 850 dwellings categorised as “red” in the pyrite report is an indicative figure only. The Panel used the information it had collected to estimate the possible distribution of the ground floor dwellings across the three classifications of red, amber and green. However, it should be noted that the inclusion of a dwelling in the 850 figure does not necessarily mean that the dwelling has been confirmed as having reactive pyrite in the hardcore and/or pyritic heave.
Question No. 1081 answered with Question No. 1017.
1082. Deputy Colm Keaveney
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the total amount of commercial rates raised in 2011 in a townland (details supplied) in County Galway or within the most proximate and appropriate area division within which the town is located. [37965/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
The information requested is not available in my Department, and may be sought from Galway County Council.
1083. Deputy Paudie Coffey
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the progress that has been made with the updating of the electoral register and linking it to PPS numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37990/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
In law, the preparation of the Register of Electors is a matter for each local registration authority. It is their duty to ensure, as far as possible and with the cooperation of the public, the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the Register. This is done on an ongoing basis in accordance with the electoral acts. There is no provision for linking the electoral register to PPS numbers. The Programme for Government contains a commitment to establish an Electoral Commission to subsume functions of existing bodies and my Department. Consideration of this commitment would clearly require an assessment of matters relating to the electoral register including linking it to PPS numbers. I will make this assessment in the context of considering the necessary measures to establish an Electoral Commission.
1084. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
his views on a matter (details supplied). [38049/12]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O'Sullivan):
I have no function in relation to the matter raised in the Question. Under section 30 of the Planning and Development Acts 2000 - 2010, I am specifically precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to any particular case with which a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála is or may be concerned.
1085. Deputy Kevin Humphreys
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if any consideration has been given to ending the ring-fencing of the Environment Fund or reducing the amount of the bag and landfill levies paid into the fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38206/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
The proceeds of the Environment Fund, which was established under the Waste Management (Amendment) Act 2001, can only be used for activities that are of benefit to the environment. Section 74(9) of the Waste Management Act 1996 (as amended), specifies the purposes for which payments may be made from the Environment Fund. These include assistance in a range of areas such as:
I have no plans to remove the ring fenced nature of the Environment Fund or to reduce the rate of either the Environmental Levy on Plastic Bags or the Landfill Levy. These levies are designed to encourage a shift away from environmentally unsustainable practices towards more environmentally friendly ones.· schemes to prevent/reduce waste ;
· waste recovery activities ;
· research & development into waste management ;
· production, distribution or sale of products deemed to be less harmful to the environment than other similar products ;
· development of producer initiatives to prevent/reduce waste arising from their activities ;
· implementation of waste management plans ;
· enforcement of the provisions of any enactment relating to waste management, prevention of litter or protection of the environment ;
· partnership projects, that involve local authorities, to improve the quality of the environment for particular local communities ;
· promotion of awareness of the need to protect the environment, including national and regional campaigns ;
· promotion /support of education and training to assist achievement of campaign objectives ;
· resources (human or material) to enable education and training to be carried out ;
· initiatives undertaken by community groups and others for protection of the environment ;
· initiatives undertaken by international organisations and others for protection of the environment and/or sustainable development;
· such other purposes for protection of the environment as may be prescribed by the Minister in regulations.
Question No. 1086 answered with Question No. 1022.
1087. Deputy Kevin Humphreys
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he will provide in tabular form the total number of housing units in the rental accommodation scheme as of 1 September 2012; if he will further provide a breakdown of those total units by local authority area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38208/12]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O'Sullivan):
Data on the number of households whose housing need is met under the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) change constantly as new households in receipt of rent supplement transfer under the Scheme, and existing RAS households leave the Scheme. Information is collected by my Department on a monthly basis in relation to the number of households transferring from rent supplement under the various social housing options. Data on households leaving RAS, either through transfers to other forms of social housing support or through leaving the area etc, have been collected annually since 2008.
The latest date for which figures on transfers from rent supplement are available is 31 July 2012. To end July housing authorities had transferred a total of 40,821 households from rent supplement. Of these, 23,900 were housed directly under RAS and a further 16,921 were accommodated in other forms of social housing support. The number of households leaving RAS, including those going to other forms of social housing, to end 2011 was 2,994. The following table sets out the details on a county basis combining the transfer figure with the numbers that have left RAS.
Local Authority (Housing) | No. households transferred directly to RAS to end July 2012 | No. of households who left RAS to end 2011 | Estimated No. of households in RAS (see Note below) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carlow Co. Cl. | 533 | 40 | 493 |
| Cavan Co. Cl. | 462 | 50 | 412 |
| Clare Co. Cl. | 513 | 62 | 451 |
| Cork City Cl. | 1,086 | 211 | 875 |
| Cork County Cl. | 1,364 | 198 | 1,166 |
| Donegal Co. Cl. | 649 | 25 | 624 |
| Dublin City Cl. | 2,609 | 184 | 2,425 |
| Dublin South Co. Cl. | 1,560 | 260 | 1,300 |
| Dun/Rathdown Co.Cl. | 643 | 89 | 554 |
| Fingal Co. Cl. | 1,147 | 48 | 1,099 |
| Galway City Cl. | 892 | 220 | 672 |
| Galway Co. Cl. | 595 | 62 | 533 |
| Kerry Co. Cl. | 872 | 154 | 718 |
| Kildare Co. Cl. | 579 | 76 | 503 |
| Kilkenny Co. Cl. | 763 | 87 | 676 |
| Laois Co. Cl. | 297 | 37 | 260 |
| Leitrim Co. Cl. | 135 | 9 | 126 |
| Limerick City Cl. | 799 | 71 | 728 |
| Limerick Co. Cl. | 529 | 88 | 441 |
| Longford Co. Cl. | 400 | 98 | 302 |
| Louth Co. Cl. | 323 | 69 | 254 |
| Mayo Co. Cl. | 1,069 | 178 | 891 |
| Meath Co. Cl. | 385 | 21 | 364 |
| Monaghan Co. Cl. | 325 | 27 | 298 |
| Nth Tipperary Co. Cl. | 522 | 114 | 408 |
| Offaly Co. Cl. | 326 | 51 | 275 |
| Roscommon Co.Cl. | 494 | 82 | 412 |
| Sligo Co. Cl. | 591 | 43 | 548 |
| Sth Tipperary Co. Cl. | 741 | 50 | 691 |
| Waterford City Cl. | 746 | 57 | 689 |
| Waterford Co. Cl. | 341 | 25 | 316 |
| Westmeath Co. Cl. | 454 | 99 | 355 |
| Wexford Co. Cl. | 687 | 61 | 626 |
| Wicklow Co. Cl. | 469 | 48 | 421 |
| Totals | 23,900 | 2,994 | 20,906 |
1088. Deputy Kevin Humphreys
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he will provide in tabular form, by local authority area the total arrears accumulated by 1 September 2012, on housing units in the rental accommodation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38209/12]
1108. Deputy Kevin Humphreys
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he will provide in tabular form, by local authority area, the number of housing units in the rental accommodation scheme that are in arrears on 1 September 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38921/12]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O'Sullivan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1088 and 1108 together.
Information is not available in my Department on the accumulated arrears from rental contributions under the Rental Accommodation Scheme to September 2012 or on the number of households in the scheme that are in arrears. The latest available information is in respect of the arrears arising in 2011 which is collected as part of the annual financial statement on RAS from each authority. This information is set out in the following table.
Local Authority | Arrears in 2011. |
|---|---|
Carlow | €50,404.32 |
Cavan | €12,263.34 |
Clare | €80,533.00 |
Cork City | €29,468.00 |
Cork North | €1,358.00 |
Cork South | €15,611.00 |
Cork West | €3,697.00 |
Donegal | €4,811.79 |
Dublin City | €741,228.00 |
Dun Laogh - Rathdown | €50,003.88 |
Fingal | €167,971.51 |
Galway City | €219,844.00 |
Galway County | €73,704.94 |
Kerry | €38,987.23 |
Kildare | €7,798.00 |
Kilkenny | €2,948.00 |
Laois | €14,881.00 |
Leitrim | €2,548.32 |
Limerick City | €31,860.00 |
Limerick County | €13,122.00 |
Longford | €15,203.50 |
Louth | €19,022.57 |
Mayo | €8,441.95 |
Meath | €20,290.00 |
Monaghan | €8,015.50 |
North Tipperary | €1,880.00 |
Offaly | €14,849.03 |
Roscommon | €101,143.77 |
Sligo | €27,529.53 |
South Dublin | €251,601.66 |
South Tipperary | €49,240.51 |
Waterford City | €3,768.00 |
Waterford County | €43,107.00 |
Westmeath | no data |
Wexford | €58,160.15 |
Wicklow | €14,264.89 |
Total | €2,199,561.39 |
1089. Deputy Kevin Humphreys
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the number of lifetime dog licences purchased since the commencement of the scheme in January 2012; if he will provide a breakdown of the figures by local authority; the number of annual dog licences purchased in 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38213/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
National Dog Control Statistics are compiled on an annual basis by the Local Authorities. The number of lifetime dog licences purchased since the commencement of the scheme in January 2012 will be compiled in tandem with the other 2012 statistics at the end of the year and will be published on the Department’s website as early as possible in 2013. The numbers of individual and general dog licences issued by each Local Authority for 2010 and 2011 are available on my Department’s website at www.environ.ie/en/LocalGovernment/DogControl.
Question No. 1090 answered with Question No. 1006.
1091. Deputy Kevin Humphreys
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
his policy regarding accumulated arrears in housing units in the rental accommodation scheme; the enforcement action open to a specific local authority to collect those arrears or act against the tenant; if eviction notices can be served on persons in such a scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38280/12]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O'Sullivan):
The collection of rent and the management of rent arrears is a matter for the housing authority concerned in accordance with their general management and maintenance responsibilities. RAS involves a three way contractual relationship between landlord, tenant and the housing authority. The housing authority are responsible for payment of the rent to the landlord, and the landlord is contractually obliged to maintain the property in good condition and deal with any repair issues in a timely manner. The tenant also has a contract with the housing authority, whereby they agree to pay a rental contribution to the authority based on the differential rent scheme. In the event that the tenant does not make the rental contribution to the authority, under the terms of the three way agreement the authority may direct that the landlord serve notice to quit on the tenant. If the landlord fails to serve such a notice to quit then this may be a breach of the agreement between the authority and the landlord.
1092. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if his attention has been drawn to the compliance rates with the second home tax; the number of dwellings to which the tax is applicable; the number of dwellings that have paid the tax in 2011; and the amount that this raised for the Exchequer. [38300/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
The Local Government (Charges) Act 2009, as amended, broadened the revenue base of local authorities by introducing a charge on non-principal private residences. The charge is set at €200 and liability for it falls, in the main, on owners of rental, holiday and vacant properties. On its introduction in 2009 the charge was estimated to apply to some 200,000 properties and was expected to raise approximately €40 million annually. As of 11 September 2012, the charge had been paid for 2011 in respect of 333,044 properties, raising €70,663,340 for that year.
1093. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he will explain cuts in local authorities' funding at a rate in accordance with the compliance or non-compliance with regard to the paying of the household charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter [38314/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
I refer to the replies to Question Nos. 37, 41 and 46 on today’s order paper, which set out the position in this matter.
1094. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
his views on the abolition of town councils (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38317/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
The Government’s broad policy approach in this area was set out in the Programme for Government. In line with this, I propose to publish [very shortly] a comprehensive action programme setting out a clear vision for the future of local government with particular focus on strengthening structures at regional, county and sub-county levels, expanding the role of local government, maximising operational and organisational efficiency and improving governance, oversight, local political and executive leadership and citizen engagement. The reform programme will also reflect other work under way in relation to various aspects of local government, including local authority mergers, efficiency implementation, funding and alignment of local and community development with local government.
1095. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he will approve an application for the employment of a person in a local authority (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38357/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
The moratorium on recruitment and promotion in the public service was introduced in March 2009 in response to the financial crisis. My Department operates a delegated sanction from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for implementation of the moratorium in relation to local authorities, and any exceptions to the moratorium in local authorities require sanction from my Department. Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each City and County Manager is responsible for staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authorities for which he or she is responsible. In this regard, it is a matter for City and County Managers, in the first instance, to ensure that the moratorium is implemented while the appropriate service levels are maintained.
1096. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if the threshold of €25,000 which needs to be earned by a person to obtain an annuity loan for a house purchase through a local authority can be reviewed; if income of more than €20,000 can be deemed satisfactory in view of the falling house prices; if any payment from the Department of Social Protection can be taken into the calculation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38366/12]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O'Sullivan):
The Government is committed to supporting access to home ownership for lower income households and a range of paths to such ownership will remain in place in that regard. These include the incremental purchase scheme, the availability of loan finance from local authorities for house purchase, including open market purchase, and the tenant purchase scheme. Two types of house purchase loan are available from local authorities: standard annuity loans targeted at lower income first time buyers and those under the Home Choice Loan scheme which are available to qualifying middle income first time buyers affected by the “credit crunch”. The terms and conditions governing the operation, including eligibility terms, of annuity mortgages and the Home Choice Loan are set out under the Housing (Local Authority Loans) Regulations 2009-2012 and the Housing (Home Choice Loan) Regulations 2009 respectively. These are available on my Department’s website: www.environ.ie.
While there is no reference in the Regulations to a lower income limit threshold for mortgage applicants, the associated credit policy provides a procedure for calculating the maximum amount of mortgage repayments permissible as a percentage of the household income. Local authorities are advised to examine each application on its own merits in determining whether an applicant is eligible for a house purchase loan. It is the case that the rate of refusal of applications has increased since the credit policy was introduced. However, it is also clear that the loans issued under that credit policy are more likely to be fully performing. I consider the current arrangements are fair and adequately meet the needs of prospective home owners in a prudent manner.
1097. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if any review is taking place in relation to the Supreme Court judgment in the Donegan Case and the use of section 62 of the Housing Act to evict local authority tenants; the implications of this decision on local authorities; and if it means that no evictions can now take place under Section 62 of the Housing Act; if new legislation is being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38434/12]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O'Sullivan):
The Supreme Court issued a judgment in February 2012 in two cases relating to section 62 of the Housing Act 1966. In one case, the court ruled that there was a dispute as to the facts and made a declaration that section 62(3) of the 1966 Act is incompatible with the State’s obligations under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. In the other case, the court ruled that there was no dispute as to the facts and did not make a declaration of incompatibility. Section 5(2) of the European Convention on Human Rights Act 2003 provides that a declaration of incompatibility in respect of an enactment does not affect its validity, continuing operation or enforcement. My Department, in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General, has examined the court judgment. In consultation with key local authorities, a course of action is being prepared which will involve changes in the way in which eviction procedures are carried out but which will require changes to legislation. I will make a statement on the matter in due course.
Question No. 1098 answered with Question No. 1004.
1099. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the amount of money spent on an annual basis on education and training of staff in 2011 and to date in 2012; the number of staff that availed of each course; if he will provide a list of the courses staff undertook and the cost of each course per person. [38484/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
My Department’s expenditure on the full training programmes in 2011 and in the period up to the end of August 2012 is as follows:
Costs | 2011 € | August 2012 € |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Environment, Community & Local Government (excluding Met Eireann) | 258,810 | 99,338 |
| Met Eireann | 53,400 | 31,749 |
| Total | 312,210 | 131,087 |
| Year | Course Detail | Total Cost € | No. of Participants | Cost per person € |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | HR Line Management | 20,708 | 92 | 225 |
| 2011 | Personal Development (Communications, Quality Customer Service etc) | 8,137 | 76 | 107 |
| 2011 | Staff Development | 4,200 | 23 | 183 |
| 2011 | Advanced Diploma in Legislative Drafting | 9,000 | 2 | 4,500 |
| 2011 | Language Courses | 4,345 | 26 | 167 |
| 2011 | Health and Safety | 1,298 | 56 | 23 |
| 2011 | General IT Training | 3,188 | 97 | 33 |
| 2011 | Professional Tax training | 1,653 | 5 | 331 |
| 2011 | Water Services IT Training | 2,200 | 23 | 96 |
| 2011 | Sharepoint Administrator | 1,900 | 10 | 190 |
| 2011 | IT Training Specialist (Microsoft Exchange& Configuring | 4,900 | 4 | 1,225 |
| 2011 | Professional Development- International Study (incl. Accommodation Costs) | 4,455 | 1 | 4,455 |
| Total 2011 | 65,985 | 415 |
Met Eireann Training | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Year | Course Detail | Total Cost € | No of Participants | Cost per person € |
2011 | HR Training | 2,504 | 6 | 417 |
2011 | Health & Safety Legislation | 1,650 | 7 | 236 |
2011 | Health & Safety Laboratory Training | 1,650 | 4 | 413 |
2011 | Voice & Presentation Training | 1,210 | 4 | 303 |
2011 | Quarkxpress | 678 | 3 | 226 |
2011 | Adobe Photoshop | 475 | 3 | 158 |
2011 | IT Training -VBA Development | 3,140 | 3 | 1,047 |
2011 | Excel Training - Introductory Course | 298 | 1 | 298 |
2011 | VDU & Workstation Assessment Training | 4,050 | 100 | 41 |
2011 | Winter Forecasting | 6,427 | 5 | 1,285 |
2011 | Forecaster Refresher Course | 3,525 | 1 | 3,525 |
2011 | Climate Change | 400 | 2 | 200 |
2011 | Meteorologist Training | 115 | 1 | 115 |
2011 | Safe Pass | 665 | 7 | 95 |
2011 | Basic Security Awareness Training | 1,250 | 23 | 54 |
2011 | Airfield Training | 78 | 3 | 26 |
2011 | Health and Safety | 1,813 | 22 | 82 |
2011 | Advanced Forecasting Course | 5,017 | 1 | 5,017 |
2011 | Irish Classes | 190 | 1 | 190 |
2011 | Procurement | 1,300 | 2 | 650 |
2011 | Meteorologists -Courtroom Skills & Cross-Examination Skills | 895 | 1 | 895 |
2011 | Project Management | 2,385 | 2 | 1,193 |
2011 | Windows Server 2008 | 5,185 | 4 | 1,296 |
2011 | Internal QMS Auditor Course | 525 | 1 | 525 |
2011 | Management Workshop | 50 | 1 | 50 |
2011 | Online Proof Reading Course | 119 | 1 | 119 |
2011 | Meteorology Specialist ECAM training | 420 | 1 | 420 |
2011 | GIS server training | 1,232 | 1 | 1,232 |
| Total 2011 | 47,246 | 211 | ||
January-August 2012 | ||
|---|---|---|
Year | Course Detail | Total Cost € |
| 2012 | Business Analysts Training ICT | 5,050 |
| 2012 | Chair Training for EU Presidency | 0 |
| 2012 | CO/SO/EO Office Mgt. Development | 25,708 |
| 2012 | Council Secretariat EU Presidency | 165 |
| 2012 | HR Line Management | 4,502 |
| 2012 | IT Data Analysis Software Course | 1,520 |
| 2012 | Language Courses | 1,272 |
| 2012 | IT Audit Training | 450 |
| 2012 | FOI/Ombudsman Course | 938 |
| 2012 | Public Financial Mgt. - IPA | 1,849 |
| 2012 | *Health and Safety | 0 |
| 2012 | Professional Development- International Study (incl. Accommodation Costs) | 21,534 |
| 2012 | Staff Development | 14,042 |
| 2012 | IT Training Specialist | 1,761 |
| 2012 | **Legislative Drafting Lectures | 5,105 |
| Total at end of August 2012 | 83,896 | |
| *This training was delivered by OPW free of charge | ||
| **Two open sessions made available to over 70 staff | ||
Met Eireann - Traning from January to August 2012 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Year | Course Detail | Total Cost € | No of Participants | Cost per person € |
2012 | Script Writing | 750 | 2 | 375 |
2012 | Managing People | 1,390 | 2 | 695 |
2012 | Computer Networking | 670 | 1 | 670 |
2012 | Meteorological Broadcaster Training | 3,047 | 4 | 762 |
2012 | Basic Security Awareness | 554 | 9 | 62 |
2012 | DIAS 005 Computational Statistics | 250 | 2 | 125 |
2012 | Airside Safety Training | 1,662 | 22 | 76 |
2012 | Safety Committee | 750 | 6 | 125 |
2012 | HEO Line Manager Training | 4,200 | 23 | 183 |
2012 | Fire Warden Training | 948 | 13 | 73 |
2012 | Configuring and Administering Microsoft SharePoint 2010 | 1,350 | 1 | 1,350 |
2012 | Safe Pass training | 190 | 2 | 95 |
2012 | Aeronautical Met Forecaster Course | 2,287 | 1 | 2,287 |
2012 | Project Management Course | 1,390 | 2 | 695 |
2012 | Office Management CO Course | 1,950 | 11 | 177 |
2012 | Flexitime Management | 400 | 4 | 100 |
2012 | Understanding the European Public Sector Procurement Rules | 1,300 | 2 | 650 |
2012 | Mast Climbing Refresher Course | 2,250 | 12 | 188 |
2012 | Finance for non Financial Managers | 2,880 | 2 | 1,440 |
2012 | High Impact Leadership | 2,880 | 1 | 2,880 |
2012 | ICS Skills | 350 | 1 | 350 |
2012 | HR Training | 301 | 1 | 301 |
| Total at end August 2012 | 31,749 | 124 | ||
| No | Course Title for 2011/2012 |
|---|---|
| 1 | Diploma in Computer Studies |
| 1 | ACCA (Professional Accountant) |
| 1 | Applied Environmental Economics |
| 1 | BA (hons) Applied Social Studies |
| 1 | BA (hons) Business Management |
| 1 | BA (hons) Humanities |
| 3 | BA (hons) Law |
| 1 | BA Economics |
| 1 | BA Personal & Professional Development |
| 4 | BA Public Management |
| 2 | Bachelor of Business (hons) |
| 1 | Bachelor of Commerce |
| 1 | Certificate in Audit Skills |
| 6 | Certificate in Civil Service & State Agency Studies |
| 1 | Certificate in Housing Studies |
| 1 | Diploma in Applied Building Repair & Conservation |
| 1 | Diploma in Civil Service & State Agency Studies |
| 1 | Diploma in French |
| Diploma in HRM Practice | |
| 1 | Diploma/BSc in Counselling and Psychotherapy |
| 1 | Ghaeilge Fheidhmeach |
| 1 | Irish Course - Cruinneas 1 |
| 2 | MA Public Management |
| 1 | Master in Public Administration |
| 1 | Masters of Business |
| 1 | MSc Communications |
| 1 | MSc Computer Science |
| 2 | MSc Economic Policy Studies |
| 3 | MSc Economic Science in Policy Analysis |
| 1 | MSc Innovation Management in the Public Service |
| 1 | MSc Project & Programme Management |
| 1 | MSc Sustainable Development |
| 4 | Phd in Governance |
| 1 | Postgraduate Diploma in Fire Safety Practice |
| 1 | Professional Certificate in Governance |
No | Course Title for 2012/2013 |
|---|---|
| 1 | ACCA (Professional Accountant) |
| 1 | Administration Law |
| 1 | BA Degree (Hons) in Humanities |
| 3 | BA in Public Management |
| 1 | BA in Community Involvement |
| 1 | BA Personal & Professional Development |
| 1 | Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Law |
| 2 | Bachelor of Business (hons) |
| 1 | Barrister at Law Degree |
| 3 | Certificate in Civil Service & State Agencies |
| 1 | Certificate in Tax policy making |
| 1 | Diploma in Civil Service & State Agencies |
| 1 | Diploma in Computer Studies accredited by UCD |
| 1 | Diploma in Financial Management BS7 |
| 1 | Diploma sa Ghaeilge Fheidhmeach |
| 1 | Doctorate in Governance |
| 1 | Evening Gaeilge Classes |
| 1 | German Course |
| 1 | Higher Certificate Business |
| 1 | MA in Public Management |
| 1 | Master of Arts Leadership & Strategy |
| 1 | Master of Science in Mgt. for Sustainable Development |
| 1 | Masters in Computer Science - Cloud Computing |
| 1 | Masters of Business |
| 1 | MSc in Economic Policy Analysis |
| 1 | MSc Applied Social Research |
| 1 | MSc in Computer Science |
| 2 | MSc in Economic Science and Policy Analysis |
| 1 | MSc in Project and Programme Mgt. |
| 2 | Phd in Governance |
| 1 | Pre-Degree computing programme Fetac |
| 1 | Professional certificate in Governance |
| No | Course Title for 2011/2012 |
|---|---|
| 1 | M.Sc Meteorology |
| 1 | Certificate in Human Resource Practice |
| 1 | Certificate in Oral Heritage |
1100. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the annual cost of producing the average house price series by his Department; the justification for this expenditure in view of the Central Statistics Office monthly Residential Property Price Index. [38534/12]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O'Sullivan):
My Department collates and publishes a wide range of housing and planning statistics that inform the preparation and evaluation of policy, and those data are available on my Department’s website www.environ.ie. The average house price series dates back to the 1970s and is the longest extant Irish house price data series. The series provides a simple average of prices with a breakdown between the main urban areas. Unlike the Central Statistics Office’s Residential Property Price Index the series is not mix-adjusted to take account of the different types of property sold. While there is a minor marginal cost to the Department in producing this series it is considered that, taking into account the historical continuity that it represents, it is worthwhile to maintain the series.
1101. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the position regarding alleged atmospheric contamination by chem trails from jet airliners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38613/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
My Department has no knowledge of the alleged activities referred to in the Question. The monitoring, assessment and management of ambient air quality in Ireland is carried out in accordance with the requirements of the Clean Air for Europe (CAFÉ) Directive 2008/50/EC, which has been transposed into Irish law through the Air Quality Standards Regulations 2011. Under these Regulations, specific ambient air quality standards have been prescribed for a range of pollutants.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has responsibility for the monitoring of air quality in the State. The EPA continually monitors a range of atmospheric pollutants via a network of air quality monitoring stations located around the country. The EPA publishes the results of the air quality monitoring on its website at: http://www.epa.ie/whatwedo/monitoring/air/data/. My Department keeps these data under ongoing review to identify any significant trends which might emerge and also meets periodically with the EPA to discuss air quality issues. Overall, air quality in Ireland continues to be of good quality and is amongst the best in Europe. In 2011, measured values for prescribed pollutants were all below limit and target values set out in national and EU legislation.
1102. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the position regarding a Leader grant in respect of an event (details supplied). [38647/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
My Department is responsible for ensuring that funding provided through the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme (RDP) is delivered in an efficient and effective way. Systems within the Department involve the checking of projects to ensure that the claimed expenditure is verifiably correct. The claim for reimbursement for the project detailed in the question was selected for inspection by the Inspection Services Division (ISD) of my Department. There were several findings arising from the inspection and it has taken some time to address these findings. However, I can confirm that as soon as all of the findings outlined in the inspection report are addressed the claim for reimbursement will be processed for payment.
1103. Deputy Michael Moynihan
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the funding, if any, available for the capital assistance scheme; the position of a project (details supplied) in County Cork on the list. [38726/12]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O'Sullivan):
This year, some €50 million is being made available under my Department’s Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) to support the provision, by approved voluntary and co-operative housing bodies, of accommodation for persons with specific categories of housing need. Following a request to local authorities in June 2012 to submit a prioritised list of projects for funding under the CAS programme over the period 2012 to 2014, I announced the approval of 55 projects which involve the provision of over 370 new voluntary housing units. Approvals were based on the prioritisation afforded to individual proposals by local authorities. The project in question was not prioritised for progression at this time.
Question No. 1104 answered with Question No. 1053.
Question No. 1105 answered with Question No. 59.
1106. Deputy Dominic Hannigan
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he will outline, in tabular form, both the number and the percentage of women and men on State boards under the aegis of his Department in each of the past ten years; if he will provide the most up-to-date figures available regarding the number and percentage of women and men on State boards under the aegis of his Department in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38856/12]
1126. Deputy Anne Ferris
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the steps he is taking to ensure that State boards have at least 40% of each gender, as provided for in the Programme for Government; the percentage at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39152/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1106 and 1126 together.
The information requested is set out in the following table:
| Total Board Membership | Vacancies* | Men* | Women | % Women | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2002 | 215 | NA | NA | 84 | 39 |
2003 | 213 | NA | NA | 78 | 37 |
2004 | 203 | NA | NA | 76 | 37 |
2005 | 213 | NA | NA | 86 | 40 |
2006 | 211 | NA | NA | 80 | 38 |
2007 | 272 | 9 | 167 | 96 | 37 |
2008 | 281 | 6 | 174 | 101 | 37 |
2009 | 241 | 8 | 149 | 84 | 36 |
2010 | 259 | 17 | 152 | 90 | 37 |
2011 | 278 | 15 | 172 | 91 | 35 |
1107. Deputy Clare Daly
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
following the publication of the Pyrite Panel Report, his views on whether a close reading of the report suggests that the purpose of the report is to absolve the Building Regulations Advisory Board and his Department of any responsibility for the systematic failures to ensure adequate testing by quarry owners for the presence of sulphur/sulphide/sulphate in hardcore for use as fill under ground floor slabs in housing units which failures have facilitated pyrite induced heave and serious structural damage to tens of thousands of houses in North Dublin, East Meath, North Kildare and Offaly. [38881/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
I do not believe that an objective reading of the pyrite report would support the view expressed. The Pyrite Panel was set up on an independent basis to explore options for an agreed resolution to the problem of pyrite in private dwellings. While I have always stated that the State is not responsible for the pyrite problem, I believe it has a duty to assist homeowners in finding a resolution to what is a very difficult situation for them and this was one of my key objectives in setting up the Panel. The Panel operated independently of me and I believe that it undertook its work in a fair and impartial manner producing a well- researched and balanced report. As can be seen from Appendix 1 of the report, which lists the groups and individuals the Panel met with, it consulted widely, including with: homeowners, industry, academia, professional bodies, banks, insurance providers and local authorities. While not everyone will agree with all of the recommendations they are supported by the broadly based consultation undertaken, and I understand that the report has been well received generally. It is very clear about where responsibility for the pyrite problem lies and who should pay the costs associated with the remediation of pyrite damaged dwellings. The report provides a comprehensive framework to move forward towards achieving a solution for homeowners and I have already begun this process.
Question No. 1108 answered with Question No. 1088.
1109. Deputy Tom Fleming
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he will make additional funding available to Kerry County Council for the following grant schemes, housing aid for older persons, mobility aids housing grant scheme and housing adaptation grant for persons with a disability as the 2012 allocation notified by the Department has been fully utilised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38941/12]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O'Sullivan):
Exchequer allocations for 2012 totalling some €54.2 million were notified to local authorities in February 2012. Some €2,606,292 was allocated to Kerry County Council of which €1,716,017 has been drawn down to date in respect of 397 grants. My Department monitors expenditure under these schemes on an ongoing basis and any savings resulting from an under-spend by local authorities of their 2012 allocation may be re-allocated to authorities whose allocations have been fully spent.
1110. Deputy Joe Higgins
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
noting the statement in the Water Services (Amendment) Act 2012 information leaflet that there is no question of applying the EPA's 2009 code of practice to older on-site systems, if he will explain the way the requirements of the EU legislation in relation to quality of ground water are to be met. [38946/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
During the debates on the Water Services (Amendment) Act 2012 I stated on a number of occasions that there is no question of applying the EPA’s 2009 Code of Practice for Wastewater Treatment for Single Houses to older houses. The 2012 Act specifies that the basic standard for treatment systems is that they do not create a risk to public health or the environment. The Water Services Acts 2007 and 2012 (Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems) Regulations 2012 set out in more detail the required performance standards, including the maintenance and de-sludging of on-site systems.
1111. Deputy Joe Higgins
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
noting the Pyrite Panel report, his views on whether the stone fill being sold by quarries in counties Dublin, Meath, Kildare and Offaly for use under ground floor slabs to houses and extensions is fit for purpose and will not cause heave; and the test results he has available to support this conclusion. [38947/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
Standard Recommendation (SR) 21:2004+A1:2007 provides specific guidance on reducing the risk of reactive forms of pyrite being present in hardcore material for use under concrete floors in dwellings and buildings. It sets an example specification for unbound granular fill for use under concrete floors and paths. The example specification sets out verifiable performance criteria for hardcore. It sets the quality of the aggregate (attempting to rule out low quality stone), the grading (reducing the level of fines) and the results required from sulfur-related chemical tests.
Clause 3.4.2 in SR21 sets out the guidance to be followed in relation to the total sulfur results:
•if the result is less than 0.1%, no further testing is required, unless there is a significant change in the quarry deposit;
•if the result is between 0.1 and 1%, there is a risk of swelling from pyrite, and it is advised that a suitably experienced petrographer carry out a detailed mineralogical examination to establish:
In view of the expertise and knowledge that has been developed in the past five years, the Pyrite Panel recommended that the existing guidance should be reviewed to see if it can be further developed. In addition, the Panel recommended that a testing, certification and traceability system should be put be put in place for quarries. I have asked the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) to undertake this work. The onus is on the builder/developer to ensure that all works undertaken are compliant with the relevant parts of the Building Regulations. (a)the material’s suitability as hardcore under floors and footpaths, and
(b)an appropriate testing frequency for total sulfur based on the variability of the quarry deposit.
1112. Deputy Terence Flanagan
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the steps being taken to hold to account those who have not paid the household charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38981/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and the Local Government (Household Charge) Regulations 2012 provide the legislative basis for the household charge. Under the Act, an owner of a residential property on the liability date of 1 January 2012 is liable to pay the household charge, unless otherwise exempted or entitled to claim a waiver. The household charge is on a self-assessment basis and it is a matter for an owner of a residential property on the liability date to determine if he or she has a liability and, if so, to declare that liability and pay the household charge.
Question No. 1113 answered with Question No. 1017.
1114. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he will consider a major update in housing policy with particular reference to the need to provide an adequate supply of affordable housing through the capital programme or a suitable equivalent in order to address the long-standing number of persons on the housing lists of the various local authorities; if he will furthermore repeal the shared ownership house purchase scheme having particular regard to the inequalities that have emerged whereby the rental portion of the equity is costing more to the borrower than the mortgage; if some action will be taken on this matter in the interim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36903/12]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O'Sullivan):
I am determined to ensure that the social housing programme is framed in a manner which optimises the delivery of social housing and the return for the resources invested. To achieve this it is essential that we tailor the use of available Exchequer supports to prevailing conditions and explore the full range of solutions to address housing needs. The social housing capital budget has been reduced from €1.535 billion in 2008 to just over €333.7m this year, and the financial parameters within which we will be operating for the coming years rule out a return to large capital funded construction programmes. Nevertheless, the Government is committed to responding more quickly and on a larger scale to social housing support needs through a variety of mechanisms, including through increased provision of social housing. In spite of the challenging circumstances within which local authorities are now operating, a tentative projection of 4,000 to 4,500 housing units is anticipated for 2012.
Question No. 1115 answered with Question No. 51.
1116. Deputy Michael McGrath
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the amount of funding that will be available to finance the mortgage to rent scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32691/12]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O'Sullivan):
On foot of the recommendations of the Keane Report on mortgage arrears, the Government launched a mortgage to rent scheme on a pilot basis in February 2012. This scheme was extended nationally in June 2012, targeting low income families whose mortgage situation is unsustainable and where there is little or no prospect of a significant change in circumstances in the foreseeable future. The scheme ensures that the family remains in their home, while ownership is transferred to an approved housing body who in turn rent it to the original owners.
Householders seeking to avail of the mortgage to rent scheme must::· have had their mortgage deemed unsustainable under a Mortgage Arrears Resolution Process as provided for under the Central Bank’s Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears;
Limits on household income, property value and applicant assets also apply. Borrowers wishing to avail of this scheme may access further information on the Housing Agency website, www.housing.ie .
· agree to a voluntary repossession of their home;
· be eligible for social housing support; and
· not have significant positive equity in the property.
More than sixty cases are currently being processed under this scheme, with a potential take-up of approximately one hundred cases in 2012. Financing for the scheme is by means of loans to the approved housing bodies concerned from either the original lender or the Housing Finance Agency in respect of up to 7.5% of the value of the property, with 25% funding available from my Department under the Capital Advance Leasing Facility. The overall allocation under the CALF scheme for 2012 is €20 million.
Questions Nos. 1117 and 1118 answered with Question No. 1064.
1119. Deputy Brendan Smith
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the progress made with the Mountain Access Project since March 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37868/12]
1125. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he intends to provide insurance or an indemnity scheme to landowners who allow hill walkers walk their land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38414/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1119 and 1125 together.
1120. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the number of new walks developed under the walkways scheme of the rural recreation section of his Department since March 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37869/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
Due to budgetary constraints it has not been possible to develop new walks under the existing Walks Scheme since December 2010. However there are now 40 trails covered by the Scheme, with annual payments of €1,910,000 to 1,805 landholders who maintain them. It is intended that any additional efficiencies and savings that can be generated in the scheme will be put towards priority walks and improvements in the existing trails comprehended by the scheme.
1121. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the change in the number and grade of civil servants in the rural recreation section of the Department since March 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37870/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
Details of the changes of the numbers and grades in Rural Recreation Section since March 2011, based on “Full Time Equivalents” are as follows:
| Principal Officer | Assistant Principal Officer | Higher Executive Officer | Executive Officer | Clerical Officer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 2011 | 0.05 | 0.9 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| September 2012 | 0.05 | 0.05 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
Question No. 1122 answered with Question No. 1037.
1123. Deputy Charlie McConalogue
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he intends providing further funding this year for the senior alert scheme in view of the importance of this scheme to the security and well being of older people and the demand for the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37873/12]
1124. Deputy Charlie McConalogue
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he will outline the changes he has made this year to the senior alert scheme; the reasons for these changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37874/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1123 and 1124 together.
Due to the level of demand for grant assistance under the Seniors Alert Scheme in 2011, the budget allocation of €2.35m was expended by the end of November 2011; there were a significant number of grant applications received in December 2011 that my Department was unable to process pending the budget allocation for 2012. A significant portion of the 2012 budget allocation (€2.35m) was expended early in 2012. My Department is also continuing to register Community and Voluntary groups who wish to administer the Scheme and this has further increased the demand for funding in 2012.
Given the unavoidable constraints on funding generally, my Department examined the operation of the scheme with the aim of ensuring its sustainability and an equitable distribution of available funding country-wide. The following temporary changes were notified to groups on 26 March 2012, and took effect from 30 March 2012:· Funding will only be available for the purchase and installation of socially monitored alarms at a maximum of €250 per alarm. (Maximum funding of €50 is also available for additional pendants and reinstallations).
The aim of the Seniors Alert Scheme is to support independent living for those over 65 who live alone or who live with a person who is also over 65 years of age and of limited financial means. A key element of the Scheme is the provision of funding for a socially monitored alarm which supports this independence. Having regard to available funding in the current economic climate, the changes above will ensure that my Department can continue to maintain the Scheme in a viable way and provide the maximum number of socially monitored alarms to as many older persons as possible in 2012. So far this year €2,007,800 has been spent on the scheme, providing equipment to 6,671 beneficiaries.
·Grants to Community and Voluntary groups will be capped at €30,000 per annum .
Question No. 1126 answered with Question No. 1106.
1127. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the number of reminder letters that have been sent out to residents in relation to the non-payment of the household charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39168/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
The Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) administers the household charge system on a shared service/agency basis for all county and city councils. I am informed by the LGMA that between 2 and 13 July, reminder letters in respect of 103,905 non-registered addresses were issued by local authorities nationwide, with a second tranche issuing between 7 and 20 August in respect of 65,212 households. Local authorities are currently in the process of issuing a further tranche of reminder letters to 52,246 households nationwide. In total, some 221,363 letters have been issued to date to households that have not paid the charge.
1128. Deputy Clare Daly
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if his attention has been drawn to the practice of Cavan County Council writing off substantial amounts of planning contributions or development levies in return for applicants paying the amount up-front or in cash; his views in relation to such practices and the way he proposes to deal with same. [39173/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
As with all local charges, the invoicing and collection of due amounts is a matter for the local authority concerned to manage in the light of prevailing local circumstances and in accordance with normal accountancy procedures.In accordance with the Local Authority Accounting in Ireland Code of Practice and Accounting Regulations, issued by my Department in December 2009 under section 107 of the Local Government Act 2001, local authorities are required to make provision for doubtful debts and to write off known uncollectable debts.
1129. Deputy Paschal Donohoe
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if any funding requests have been submitted by Dublin City Council for the redevelopment of an area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39174/12]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O'Sullivan):
This year, my Department is providing funding of over €62 million to Dublin City Council to support the Council’s various social housing supply and improvement works programmes currently underway. This includes over €40 million in respect of various regeneration programmes operating across the city including Ballymun and projects which were previously included in the City Council’s Public Private Partnership (PPP) programme.
Question No. 1130 answered with Question No. 1006.
1131. Deputy Joan Collins
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding Sligo County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39242/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
I am aware of the financial position in Sligo County Council. I can confirm that I have received a copy of the report of the independent financial consultant engaged by Sligo County Council to review its financial position. I have also received a request from the Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council to meet with a delegation from the Council to discuss the report’s findings. The report recommendations are currently being considered in my Department in consultation with the local authority.
1132. Deputy Sandra McLellan
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if a local authority is permitted by law to take foster care allowance into account as means for rent calculation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39279/12]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O'Sullivan):
Housing rents are set in accordance with a rent scheme adopted by each local authority. The making and amending of rent schemes is the responsibility of housing authorities as an integral part of their housing management functions.It is a matter for housing authorities, when assessing individual households, to consider whether rents payable are in accordance with the authority’s rent scheme. Therefore, decisions on whether or not to disregard either a proportion of income or particular sources of income for the purposes of calculating rents are matters for each individual housing authority to consider in accordance with their own rent scheme.
1133. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the extent to which it is intended that local household or other service charges will go directly towards the provision of services currently or previously provided by local authorities or likely to be so provided in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39313/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
Local authorities are permitted, under statute, to charge fees in relation to the services they provide. Internationally, local services are administered by local authorities and financed by local service charges. In Ireland, local authorities are responsible for, among other services, public parks; libraries; open spaces and leisure amenities; planning and development; fire and emergency services; roads; maintenance and cleaning of streets and street lighting. These facilities benefit everyone.
1134. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if it is intended to give any particular financial recognition by way of incentives to local authorities with a better than average record in terms of budgetary control; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39314/12]
1135. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he will indicate those local authorities now faced with the most serious level of budgetary cutbacks; the extent to which the cause or causes have been identified; the measures available or likely to become available to the local authorities directly or through the aegis of his Department to address these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39315/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1134 and 1135 together.
Question No. 1136 answered with Question No. 1017.
1137. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he will identify and provide for a reorganisation of the shared ownership loan system which is currently penalising holders of such mortgages in a most unfair fashion whereby the rent being charged in respect of the local authority equity in the dwelling is vastly in excess in some cases of the mortgage on the remaining equity; if he will identify the ways and means of addressing this issue as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39317/12]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O'Sullivan):
Under the Shared Ownership scheme the rent charged on the local authority’s equity in a shared ownership transaction is to cover the funding costs to the Housing Finance Agency which are based on borrowings at the prevailing interest rates. Any difference between the rent and prevailing interest rate is reflected in the capital outstanding on the property, i.e. if the rent charged in any period is greater than the prevailing mortgage interest due on the local authority’s share the purchase price of the outstanding equity will be reduced accordingly.
1138. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
when it is expected to bring the structures appertaining to the operation of voluntary housing associations into line with the operational rules operated by local authorities with particular reference to the determination of rent and the governance structures of such organisations in line with company law and their articles of association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39318/12]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O'Sullivan):
The Government’s Housing Policy Statement, published in June 2011, identifies approved housing bodies (AHBs) as key partners in the delivery of social housing. This recognises both the constrained funding levels available for local authority construction programmes and the capacity and track-record of the voluntary and cooperative housing sector.
The move from capital funded programmes of construction and acquisition by approved housing bodies to more revenue funded options presents challenges for AHBs and will take some time to be fully agreed and implemented. As such, I intend to develop a regulatory framework for the sector that will provide support and assurance both to the sector itself and to its external partners as it takes on the expanded role envisaged for it in the policy statement and to underline its status as a viable and attractive investment opportunity for financial institutions.
I will develop this framework in consultation with the sector but I expect that it will:
•assist approved housing bodies to develop key governance and management structures to facilitate an expanded remit;
•provide independent scrutiny and validation of such bodies’ competences; and
•place sustainable housing management policies and practices at the heart of a coordinated approach to the development of the sector.
To this end, on 8 August 2012 a draft voluntary code for the regulation of approved housing bodies was published on my Department’s website www.environ.ie for public consultation. The consultation period runs until 21 September and I invite all interested parties to make their views known. This code will be a first step towards a statutory regulatory framework that will protect the very significant State investment in the sector over the last two decades and will provide assistance to those working in the sector to meet the challenges ahead. This code will serve as a learning opportunity for the sector and for my Department as we develop this longer-term statutory framework to best support the enhanced role of AHBs.
1139. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
when it is expected that a local authority house building programme can be put in place in view of the vast number of applicants currently on local authority housing lists; the extent to which these numbers are likely to increase in the current economic climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39319/12]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O'Sullivan):
The Government’s housing policy statement, published in June 2011, clearly identifies that the priority for Government will be to meet the most acute needs of households applying for social housing support. I am determined to ensure that the social housing programme is framed in a manner which optimises the delivery of social housing and the return for the resources invested. To achieve this it is essential that we tailor the use of available Exchequer supports to prevailing conditions and explore the full range of solutions to address housing needs.
1140. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the extent to which the future development of the fire services operated by the local authorities continues to be examined with particular reference to the increasing need to ensure adequate strength, equipment and compliance with modern health and safety requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39320/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
The provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs and provision of premises is a statutory function of individual fire authorities. My Department’s National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management provides support through setting general policy, the provision of training support and guidance on operational and other related matters and capital funding which, over the last decade, has exceeded €180 million. My Department provides capital grants to:
There have been very significant improvements in fire service infrastructure, fleet and equipment in recent years, and Ireland is now acknowledged to have a first rate infrastructure for its fire service.
· Construct modern fire stations and for improvement works to existing stations
· Acquire front line fire appliances, (including specialist appliances) and
· Acquire emergency and rescue equipment and communications equipment.
My Department’s National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management is currently developing a policy document called Keeping Communities Safe (KCS) which is intended to set the future direction of fire services in Ireland. The draft policy document seeks to define an integrated approach to efficient fire safety by ensuring an appropriate response to incidents from the fire service while strengthening the service’s role in fire prevention and community fire safety. The KCS document represents the outcome of a wide ranging review of all the activities that go into the provision of fire services – including the roles which fire services should provide for society into the future and having the right structures in place to deliver effective services efficiently. It also looks at finding the right balance between fire prevention, fire protection and response, all of which is underpinned by a risk categorisation approach. The National Directorate has engaged in a round of stakeholder consultation on the draft KCS document, which is available on my Department’s website at www.environ.ie, and it is intended to finalise the document in the near future.
My Department has been working to assist local authorities in achieving consistent implementation of safety, health and welfare initiatives since the introduction of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work legislation in 2005. The development of an Ancillary Safety Statement Template for Fire Services (2007) and the National Incident Command System (2007) were significant contributions in this area. A national Critical Incident Stress Management programme has been provided for fire services staff. Among the National Directorate’s priorities over the last few years has been the preparation and issuing to all fire authorities of a suite of Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs) which cover all aspects of fire service operations, as well as the publication of a range of operational guidance and running an Annual Training Programme for Officers.
1141. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the position regarding the upgrading, improvement and development of the quality and quantity of domestic drinking water in all areas throughout the country with particular reference to the need to ensure adequate supply and storage; the extent to which provision can now be made for such requirements in the future in the short and medium term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39322/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
The overall strategy of investment in water services is to ensure that the timing and scale of investment facilitates economic and other development, achieves compliance with statutory requirements and promotes environmental sustainability objectives. The main vehicle for achieving these objectives for public domestic water supplies is the multi-annual Water Services Investment Programme.
The current Programme, which runs to the end of 2013, provides for the commencement of contracts with a value of over €800m in relation to water supply infrastructure. This includes contracts to address deficiencies in the quality of supply, to improve the overall capacity of the system and an accelerated programme of mains rehabilitation. The Programme also provides for the advancement of a further range of schemes through planning, for progression to construction in future investment cycles. In the period, 2000 to 2011 (inclusive), over €5.5 billion has been invested in the water services sector; this led, inter alia, to an increase in drinking water storage capacity by a level equivalent to the needs of a population of 1,847,000.
In order to create efficiencies, improve service delivery and achieve cost savings in the delivery of water services, the Programme for Government provides for the establishment of a new State-owned national water authority to take over responsibility for managing and supervising investment in water services infrastructure. The Department is currently finalising work on the implementation strategy for the establishment of Irish Water. This strategy will take account of the need to ensure that this critical public service is delivered efficiently during the transition, that there is no loss of momentum in the delivery of key projects and that a sustainable funding model is put in place to support increased investment in the sector.
1142. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the extent to which he has received submissions from the local authorities in County Kildare in respect of their prioritised requirements in respect of group water schemes, group sewerage schemes or other such small schemes; the degree to which any such plans have been awaiting approval in the past 10 to 15 years such as the proposed scheme at Ballyna; if costings have been submitted to him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39323/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
Responsibility for the administration of the Rural Water Programme, which includes group water schemes, group sewerage schemes and small public water and sewerage schemes, has been devolved to local authorities since 1997. The selection, approval and prioritisation of individual schemes for advancement and funding under the programme, within the overall priorities set by my Department and subject to the block grant allocations provided, is therefore a matter for the water services authorities, including Kildare County Council.
The block grant allocations provided by my Department to the water services authorities are based, in the first instance, on the requests for funding received from the water services authorities at the beginning of each year. There may also be some additional allocations, or variations to existing allocations, during the course of the year based on responses from the authorities to any reviews of expenditure which may be carried out.
The Water Services Investment Programme 2010 – 2013 provides for the development of a comprehensive range of new water services infrastructure in County Kildare. While provision is made to commence contracts to the value of some €160 million in the county during the period of the programme, it was not possible to include the Ballyna Regional Water Supply Scheme amongst the priority contracts and schemes selected for inclusion. The programme aims to prioritise projects that target environmental compliance issues and support economic and employment growth. A key input to the development of the programme was the assessment of needs prepared by local authorities, including Kildare County Council, in response to my Department’s request to the authorities in 2009 to review and prioritise their proposals for new capital works in their areas. These were subsequently appraised by my Department in the context of the funds available and key criteria that complemented those used by the authorities. Inevitably, through this process, certain projects that had been proposed had to give way to others that are more strategically important at this time.
Progress under the Water Services Investment Programme 2010 – 2013 was reviewed in mid-2011 and through this process consideration was given to any newly emerging priority contracts and schemes submitted by local authorities for addition to the Programme. In response to the review process a proposal was received from Kildare County Council seeking to include a new scheme in the Programme that might facilitate Ballyna. As there was no significant change in this scheme from the one submitted at the time of the Assessment of Needs, it was not among the strategically important schemes inserted into the Programme.
1143. Deputy Brendan Smith
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
the financial cost to each local authority in 2010 and 2011 of cleaning up residue from illegal laundering and smuggling of fuel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39351/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
The Office of the Revenue Commissioners has responsibility for the detection and investigation of illegal diesel laundries. It is clear from recent seizures that this illegal activity has grown significantly in recent years. A by-product from these illegal laundries is a hazardous waste sludge which tends to be abandoned or dumped by the side of the road. Local authorities have responsibility for the management and safe disposal of this abandoned residue and, until recently, this has been happening primarily in the border counties of Louth and Monaghan but is now occurring also in other areas.
Question No. 1144 answered with Question No. 1025.
1145. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government
if he will provide a list of the payments made by the State to private land owners in 2010 and 2011 to acquire land for use in the public capital programme. [40009/12]
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan):
The information requested, insofar as my Department is concerned, is set out in the following table. (Land acquisition in respect of the main programmes funded by my Department is a function of the local authorities.)
| Year | Purpose of Land Purchase | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Initial payment for Purchase of Lands for Atmospheric Monitoring Station on Valentia Island | €33,917 |
Question No. 1146 answered with Question No. 1037.
Question No. 1147 answered with Question No. 1032.
1148. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
if he will examine the way Garda districts communicate between each other; his views on whether there is a great degree of inflexibility within the way Garda stations communicate and deploy their resources; for example someone living near Williamstown in North Galway had to wait for two hours for Gardaí who are based at Tuam 23 miles distant, but could be on a call out as far east as Headford, to come to their assistance, while just four miles away two Garda squad cars sat outside the barracks in Castlerea; if he will consider introducing a similar system to that used by taxi firms to maximise the use of their resources. [36997/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I am informed that all calls within the Galway Division are dispatched from the Divisional Control Room at Galway Garda Station using the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System. The introduction of the Computer Aided Dispatch System in the Galway Division has significantly improved management of human and mobile resources within the Galway Division. The objective is to ensure that calls are responded to in a timely and professional manner, and Garda management in the Galway Division are satisfied that the procedure for responding to calls within the division is of the highest standard. This procedure is constantly monitored and reviewed and where deficiencies are highlighted immediate action is taken to correct.
1149. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the measures he has implemented to improve competitiveness in relation to commercial rents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37404/12]
1150. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
his policy on upward only rent reviews [37425/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1149 and 1150 together.
1151. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the position regarding an application for citizenship in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37773/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I am advised by the Citizenship Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that a valid application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person referred to by the Deputy in August, 2012. The application is currently being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation, such as good character and lawful residence, and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible. As well as being a significant event in the life of its recipient, the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation as provided for in law is also a major step for the State which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
1152. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the position regarding an application for residency in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37774/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
The person concerned was granted temporary permission to remain in the State on 3 January, 2001 under the arrangements then applicable to the non-EEA national parents of Irish born children born in the State before 1 January, 2005. This permission was renewed on a regular basis and is currently valid until 4 October, 2012. I would advise the person concerned to seek renewal of her permission with her local Immigration Officer.
1153. Deputy Jim Daly
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the funding, if any, that can be directed to community projects arising from Revenue collected by the Criminal Assets Bureau; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38784/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
All monies collected by the Criminal Assets Bureau are returned to the Exchequer in accordance with the provisions of the Proceeds of Crime Acts 1996 and 2005. Such funds are paid into the Government's Central Fund, from which the Government draws for expenditure on all necessary public services and investment. From time to time, it has been suggested that such monies should be used to fund community projects. However, while my Department has previously consulted with the Department of Finance on the matter and it has been accepted that there may be some symbolic value in the suggestion, it is considered problematic and raises a number of practical difficulties.
1154. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
when he will implement the Charities Act 2009 in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38818/12]
1187. Deputy Eoghan Murphy
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
when he plans to implement the 2009 Charities Act. [37669/12]
1275. Deputy Robert Dowds
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
if he has given further consideration to full implementation of the 2009 Charities Act, with regard to its provisions on regulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38889/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1154, 1187 and 1275 together.
1155. Deputy Eoghan Murphy
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
further to Parliamentary Question No. 605 of 14 September 2011, if he has had the opportunity to revise the 2009 legislation in response to the start mortgages decision. [37007/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
The position is that the High Court judgment to which the Deputy refers has been appealed to the Supreme Court. Consultations between my Department and the Office of the Attorney General regarding the implications of that judgment and more recent High Court judgments concerning the rights of lending institutions are ongoing.
1156. Deputy Brendan Griffin
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the position regarding an application for naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37150/12]
1256. Deputy Brendan Griffin
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the position regarding an application for naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38689/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1156 and 1256 together.
I am advised by the Citizenship Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that an application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person referred to by the Deputy in December, 2011. The application is currently being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation, such as good character and lawful residence, and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible. As well as being a significant event in the life of its recipient, the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation as provided for in law is also a major step for the State which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
1157. Deputy Brendan Griffin
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the position regarding an application for naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37151/12]
1257. Deputy Brendan Griffin
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the position regarding an application for naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38696/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1157 and 1257 together.
1158. Deputy Tom Fleming
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
if he will initiate a national leaflet campaign in conjunction with the policing committees in each county (details supplied). [37152/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I can advise the Deputy that An Garda Síochána provides a wide range of crime prevention information to the public, including important information for house holders and older people. I am in ongoing contact with the Garda Commissioner on all aspects of crime and crime prevention and will continue to support the steps An Garda Síochána are taking to raise awareness of these issues. In particular, the Garda National Crime Prevention Unit has designed advice leaflets on home security and burglary which use a step by step checklist to highlight key measures that can be taken by members of the public. A specific information leaflet on security for the older person has also been produced which addresses issues such as personal and home security, cash security and the issue of 'bogus callers'.
As well as being available directly from the Gardaí or from the Garda website, www.garda.ie, the Gardaí disseminate this information locally as part of their ongoing community policing work and through liaison with Community Alert, Neighbourhood Watch and other local groups. Gardaí also take particular steps to interact with older people at a local level as part of An Garda Síochána's Older People Strategy and in conjunction with the Age Friendly County Initiative, Senior Citizen Information Days and other similar events. In addition, through their work on Joint Policing Committees the advice and assistance provided by the Gardaí can be further targeted to meet local conditions and needs, including with respect to the dissemination of crime prevention information.
Insofar as national awareness campaigns are concerned, in May of this year the Garda Commissioner launched the national 'Garda Supporting Safer Communities Campaign'. This important campaign highlighted a range of key issues, in particular burglary prevention. The primary objective of this Garda Community Safety Campaign is to engage with, and raise awareness within communities of initiatives aimed at preventing crime, reducing the fear of crime and promoting community safety. A further Garda awareness campaign is due to take place from 25th September to 2nd October which will again draw attention to crime prevention issues, including issues for older people. In addition to these specific campaigns, the Gardaí also make frequent use of broadcast media to highlight crime prevention advice, and the Crime Call TV programme, which is broadcast once a month to an average audience of 400,000 viewers, regularly includes advice and information on crime prevention. I hope the Deputy will appreciate that the aims of the type of initiative he mentions are already being met through the above wide range of initiatives.
1159. Deputy Michael McNamara
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
when naturalisation status will be finalised in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37153/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that a Certificate of Naturalisation for the second named minor referred to by the Deputy was issued to his parent on 28 August, 2012. The submission of certain documentation is currently awaited in respect of the first-named minor in order that the final processing of her Certificate of Naturalisation can take place. Applications for a certificate of naturalisation from the third and fourth named persons referred to by the Deputy were received in October, 2011. The applications are currently being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicants meet the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation, such as good character and lawful residence, and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible. As well as being a significant event in the life of its recipient, the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation as provided for in law is also a major step for the State which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
1160. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
if he will support the proposal for more community policing and Garda foot patrols in an area (details supplied). [37154/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
The Deputy will be aware that the Commissioner is responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, throughout the organisation and I have no direct function in the matter. This allocation of resources is constantly monitored in the context of crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place on a District, Divisional and Regional level to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.
1161. Deputy Niall Collins
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
if he will provide a breakdown of the costs of office holder car transport over the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37156/12]
1162. Deputy Niall Collins
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the total cost of office holder car transport in 2010; the same figures for car transport cost for Ministers of State; the total cost of car transport including Ministerial and office holder transport since March 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37157/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1161 and 1162 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Government introduced a number of changes for the provision of Office Holder transport during 2011. One of the consequences of that decision was that the transport arrangements in place for Ministers of State became applicable to Government Ministers, subject to very limited exceptions on security grounds. In addition, it was decided that former Presidents and Taoisigh would only be supplied with official transport for important State occasions. The revised transport arrangements came into operation for Government Ministers on 1st May 2011 and for former Office Holders on 16th June 2011.
The Garda Commissioner is the Accounting Officer for the Garda Vote. In that context, I am informed by the Garda authorities that expenditure on Office Holder transport for the periods referred to was as outlined in the following table.
Period | Expenditure |
|---|---|
2010 | €7,502,896 |
01/03/11-31/7/12 | €4,831,057 |
01/08/11-31/07/12 | €2,288,777 |
1163. Deputy Arthur Spring
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
if a Garda vetting clearance certificate should be transferable to a new employer, if the certificate was awarded within the last two to three year period in view of the fact that those seeking employment have to reapply each time they start a new job; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37158/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
Garda vetting certificates are issued to specified organisations registered with the Garda Central Vetting Unit for that purpose in respect of a particular post or employment. A vetting disclosure is made in response to a written request and with the permission of the person who is the subject of that request. As the Deputy is aware, the certificate is non-transferable. This protects against the risk of fraud or forgery of such certificates and is a guarantee of the integrity of the vetting system. There are no plans at present to amend this procedure.
1164. Deputy Peadar Tóibín
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the staffing levels at a Garda station (details supplied) in County Westmeath as of the 15 July; his plans for the staffing levels at the station; if there has been any reduction in Garda vehicles in the area; if Garda vehicles have been given a larger area of responsibility; his plans for Garda stations at Finea and Rathowen County Westmeath. [37159/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
The Deputy will be aware that the Commissioner is responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including vehicles, throughout the organisation and I have no direct function in the matter. This allocation of resources is constantly monitored in the context of crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place on a District, Divisional and Regional level to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.
1165. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the number of agencies, authorities, boards, committees, working groups, tribunals, council services, task forces, agencies or other quangos set up by his Department since February 2011; the number abolished since then; the extra cost of quangos which were established; the savings from the abolition of quangos; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37249/12]
1297. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the number of State bodies that have been set up since 9 March 2011; the rationale behind these decisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40000/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1165 and 1297 together.
I can inform the Deputy that in response to his question the following is the position since I took up office on 9 March 2011:
1.The Expert Group on Article 13 of the European Convention on Human Rights was established following the European Court on Human Rights finding against Ireland in the McFarlane case to make recommendations on the development of policy and legislative proposals for an effective domestic remedy as required by Article 13 of the European Convention on Human Rights in respect of violations of Article 6. It is expected to report in the near future. There is no cost associated with the establishment of this group.
2.ICT Governance Group - this has been established within my own Department and is chaired at Assistant Secretary level. The body is charged with the review and oversight of ICT spending within my Department and agencies. There is no cost associated with the establishment of this group.
3.Independent International Commission on Decommissioning (IICD) was responsible for overseeing the decommissioning of paramilitary weapons. It was established by an agreement between the Irish and British Governments, signed on 26 August 1997, and by legislation enacted in the two jurisdictions. It was dissolved on 31 March 2011. The outturn for the Commission's last full year of operation 2010 was €594,000.
4.Independent Monitoring Commission (IMC) was responsible for monitoring and reporting on paramilitary activity across Ireland and also for monitoring the security normalisation measures undertaken by the British Government in the North. It was dissolved on 31 March 2011. The outturn for the Commission's last full year of operation 2010 was €426,000.
5.The Government following its meeting on 14 June 2011 decided to establish an Inter-Departmental Committee which is independently chaired by Senator Martin McAleese, to establish the facts of State involvement with the Magdalen Laundries, to clarify any State interaction, and to produce a narrative detailing such interaction. No extra costs were incurred in establishing this Inter-Departmental Committee.
6.Inter-Departmental Working Group on Corporate Manslaughter was established in January 2012. The Chairman is due a flat fee of €4,000 (gross) on completion of his task.
7.The Internet Safety Advisory Council was appointed with effect from 1 December 2008. It was neither statutory nor regulatory but it was advisory. The mandate for the Internet Safety Advisory Council expired on 30 November 2011. The Chair of the Internet Safety Advisory Council received remuneration of €8,978 per year. The Internet Safety Advisory Committee succeeded the previous Internet Safety Advisory Council and it held its first meeting on 12 April 2012. The Chair does not receive any remuneration.
8.National Disability Strategy Implementation Group (NDSIG) was established by Ms. Kathleen Lynch, T.D. Minister of State at my department with responsibility for disability. The Group was established the on 30 November 2011. The NDSIG is not an additional group in the sense that it has replaced and will build on the former National Disability Strategy Stakeholder Monitoring Group, which was in place under the previous Government. There is no cost associated with the establishment of this group.
9.National Steering Committee on Violence against Men which met for the first time on 14 December 2011. There is no cost associated with the establishment of this committee.
10.Prisons Authority Interim Board was abolished on 26 July, 2011. The amount saved is in excess of €100,000 per annum.
11.Property Services Regulatory Authority was established on a legal footing on 3 April 2012. It has an annual budget for 2012 of €738,000.
12. Property Services Appeal Board was established on 24 July 2012. No costs have been incurred to date in respect of the Appeal Board. Board members will be paid a daily rate for each day they meet in accordance with rates and conditions sanctioned by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
13.Task Force on Cost Reductions in Criminal Legal Aid was established in May 2011 to identify changes which could potentially contribute to cost reductions on criminal legal aid (CLA). The Task Force reported in October 2011. The establishment of this Task Force did not incur any additional costs.
14.Thornton Hall Review Group was established to review the need for the Thornton Hall Prison Project. It was set up in April 2011 and reported to me in July 2011. Review Group costs incurred = €15,712.
15.Working Group on Efficiency Measures in the Circuit Court and District Court was established in November 2011 at the request of both the Chief Justice and of myself. A number of changes have already been introduced and its work continues. There are no additional costs associated with the establishment of this group.
16.Working Group on the establishment of the new, enhanced Human Rights and Equality Commission was appointed on 6 October 2011 to advise me on this extremely important matter. The Group completed its work in April 2012 and its report was published on 19 April 2012. There are no costs associated with the establishment of this group.
For his information, I would remind the Deputy that the term "quango" is an acronym which stands for "quasi-autonomous non-governmental organisations". No non-governmental organisations fall under the remit of my Department. Finally, the Deputy might wish to note that new groups/committees set up since I came into office were established for very specific reasons such as dealing with complex issues that require consultation with a range of stakeholders and in which it is anticipated that the outcome will be in the public interest, achieving savings or cost reductions for my Department and agencies or responding to requirements under Ireland's international commitments in, for example, the area of human rights.
1166. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the estimated cost of each quango in his Department; the amount expected to be saved from the mergers of quangos in his Department; the basis for this figure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37265/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I presume that the Deputy is referring to Government agencies falling under the remit of my Department. The term "quango" is an acronym which stands for "quasi-autonomous non-governmental organisations". No non-governmental organisations fall under the remit of my Department. I wish to inform the Deputy that the information requested regarding the cost of agencies under my Department's aegis is available on pages 85-104 of the 2012 Revised Estimates for Public Services and can be accessed via the following link http://per.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/Rev-20121.pdf. I understand that the 2012 Revised Estimates for Public Services is also available in the Houses of the Oireachtas library.
As the Deputy is aware, the radical streamlining of State bodies is a key deliverable of the Public Service Reform Plan, which was published in November 2011. This streamlining includes the rationalisation of 48 bodies by the end of 2012, as well as the critical review of a further 46 bodies to take place by the end of June 2012. Details of the bodies involved are set out in Appendices IIa and IIb of the Plan which can be found at: http://reformplan.per.gov.ie/files/2012/01/Public-Service-Reform-28112011.pdf. While these rationalisations will deliver savings to the taxpayer, the real benefits lie in the simplification of the administrative landscape, thereby ensuring greater accountability, less duplication of effort and more transparent lines of responsibility of public servants. It is not possible at this time to specify anticipated savings on an individual State body basis. However, the Public Service Reform Plan indicated that across the public service as a whole, savings of 20 million euro in enhanced service efficiencies and value-for-money are envisaged from the rationalisation programme.
With regard to State bodies under the aegis of the Department of Justice and Equality, the bodies which are to be rationalised, amalgamated or abolished during 2012 are:
Equality Tribunal (Rationalise the industrial relations / employee rights institutions – Labour Court, Labour Relations Commission, Employee Appeals Tribunal, National Employment Rights Authority, and Equality Tribunal into single agency). The purpose of the Equality Tribunal is to deal with all complaints of discrimination in employment and access to goods and services under the terms of equality legislation.
Equality Authority, Human Rights Commission (Merge to form new Human Rights and Equality Commission). The purpose of the Equality Authority is to ensure that all people in the country are treated equally and to ensure that discrimination on certain grounds does not occur. The Authority provides information to the public on the equality legislation and it can, at its discretion, provide legal assistance to people who wish to bring claims of unlawful discrimination. The Irish Human Rights Commission works to promote and protect human rights in Ireland. The General Scheme of a Bill to replace the Equality Authority and the Human Rights Commission with a new Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission was published on 5 June 2012. The Bill has been approved by Government for priority drafting in the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel and it is intended to have the legislation in place by the end of 2012.
With regard to State bodies under the aegis of the Department of Justice and Equality, the bodies which are subject to critical review in 2012 are:
Property Services Regulatory Authority (Merge with the Private Residential Tenancies Board). The purpose of the Property Services Regulatory Authority is to set and enforce standards in the provision of property services by auctioneers, letting agents and property management agents.
Reception and Integration Agency, Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner & Refugee Appeals Tribunal (Rationalise various Refugee structures). The purpose of the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) is to accommodate asylum seekers in RIA accommodation centres while their applications for asylum are processed and to coordinate the provision of services to asylum seekers in RIA accommodation. The purpose of the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner is to investigate applications from persons seeking a declaration for refugee status and to issue appropriate recommendations to the Minister for Justice and Equality. The purpose of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal is to decide appeals of those asylum seekers whose applications for refugee status has not been recommended by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner.
Property Registration Authority (Merge the Valuation Office, Ordnance Survey Ireland and the Property Registration Authority). The purpose of the Property Registration Authority is to act as the registering authority in relation to property registration in Ireland.
Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (Amalgamate Office of the Data Protection Commissioner with the Office of the Ombudsman). The purpose of the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner is to protect the individual's right to privacy by enabling people to know, and to exercise control over how their personal information is used, in accordance with the Data Protection Acts, 1988 and 2001.
Prison Visiting Committees (Reduce or merge Visiting Committees as there is now a Prisons Inspectorate). A prison visiting committee is appointed to each prison and the committee’s function is to visit, at frequent intervals, the prison to which it is appointed and hear any complaints which may be made to them by any prisoner.
Commissioners of Charitable Donations and Bequests (Subsume Commissioners of Charitable Donations and Bequests into proposed Office of the Charities Regulator). The purpose of the Commissioners is to provide a variety of services to charities of a judicial or quasi-judicial nature in accordance with legislation governing charities.
Forensic Science Laboratory (Merge Forensic Science Laboratory into State Laboratory). The purpose of the Forensic Science Laboratory is to assist in the investigation of crime and serve the administration of justice by providing scientific analysis and objective expert evidence to international standards. The services of the Laboratory are geared mainly to the requirements of the criminal justice system, chiefly the criminal courts of justice and the Garda Síochána as well some other State organisations involved in the investigation of criminal matters.
With respect to the bodies under the aegis of my Department which are subject to critical review during 2012, it will be a matter for the Government to decide how to proceed in each case, having regard to the outcomes of the critical review process.
1167. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the number of new jobs created by his Department as a result of the jobs initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37281/12]
1168. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the number of new jobs created by his Department as a result of the action plan on jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37297/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1167 and 1168 together.
I wish to inform the Deputy that while my Department has no specific job creation targets as such, it plays its part in creating an environment for job creation by continuing to support economic growth, and working with other stakeholders both within Government and the private sector.
Immigration
Some recent specific initiatives of particular note are the Visa Waiver Programme introduced in 2011 and the new programmes for Immigrant Investors and Start-up Entrepreneurs which commenced earlier this year. The Visa Waiver Programme is aimed at tourists and business travellers to the UK who might wish to include a trip to Ireland in their overall travel plans. Under the programme, holders of certain types of short stay UK visas who have already been cleared to land by the UK's border control personnel may travel onwards to Ireland without the need to apply for a separate Irish visa. The programme applies to citizens of sixteen countries (soon to be extended to seventeen) mainly from Asia (including China and India), the former Soviet Union and the Gulf and Middle East regions all of which are regarded as key development markets for Irish business and tourism interests. The programme has been widely welcomed by the business and tourism sectors as an aid to developing important overseas markets.
To qualify for the Immigrant Investor Programme the migrant must make an investment of a designated type, ranging from a €2m specially created low interest Government Bond, a capital investment in an Irish business that creates or protects jobs to a €500,000 endowment in the cultural, sporting educational or health areas. Investment in property may also qualify in certain cases. The Start-up Entrepreneur Programme provides that migrants with a good business idea in the innovation economy and funding of €75,000 can be given residency in this State for the purposes of developing their business. Both the Immigrant Investor Programme and the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme are now operational and the first approval letters issued in the past couple of weeks. There is a significant level of ongoing enquiry in the programmes.
Legal Costs
I also wish to inform the Deputy that the Legal Services Regulation Bill 2011, which will modernise and open up the provision of legal services while providing a more transparent legal costs regime, was published within the exceptional EU/IMF/ECB Programme deadline which applied for the end of Quarter 3 of 2011. Earlier this year the Bill completed Second Stage in the Dáil. Important progress has been made in the development of the Bill and this work continues including in conjunction with the Offices of the Attorney General and Parliamentary Counsel. The aim is to commence Committee Stage before the end of this year with a view to the Bill's enactment in 2013.
JobBridge
I can inform the Deputy that as part of the Programme for Government my Department is actively engaging in the Government's new jobs activation programme the National Internship Scheme – JobBridge. This scheme provides work experience placements for interns for a 6 or 9 month period. The aim is to assist in breaking the cycle where jobseekers are unable to get a job without experience, either as new entrants to the labour market after education or training or as unemployed workers wishing to learn new skills. The Department has already advertised some 37 separate internship opportunities across a range of vocational areas including the legislative area, statistics, procurement, customer relations and general administration. There are currently 33 individuals on placements across the Department.
The Department cannot offer full-time employment at the end of an internship period, however, we do provide significant and in some cases challenging job experience opportunities to persons in need of such opportunities and better prepare them for either re-entry to the jobs market or a change in job direction.
Data Protection
The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner as the data protection regulator has no direct role in relation to job creation. However, given that data protection, in light of developments at EU level, is now viewed as an issue of Board level strategic importance in multinationals the Office and the Commissioner have made themselves available on an ongoing basis to the IDA, companies established here and companies considering establishing here to explain data protection requirements. It is understood that this assisted in relation to investment decisions for such companies.
1169. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the total amount spent on taxis by his Department since February 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37329/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I can inform the Deputy that while the recording of expenditure on taxi services does not allow for the precise identification of all the spend under this heading, the identified spend since 11 March, 2011 by my Department is set out in the following table.
Year | € |
|---|---|
| 11/03/2011 - 31/12/2011 | 13,002.68 |
| 01/01/2012 - 31/08/2012 | 8,853.77 |
1170. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the number of press officers in his Department; the number of press officers in each agency under his auspices; the total cost of press officers in his Department and in agencies under his auspices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37345/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
My Personal Assistant acts as the Press Officer for my Department. She is paid at the Personal Assistant salary scale (€43,715 - €56,060). Notwithstanding the wide range of functions and responsibilities of the Justice Sector, with approximately 22,800 staff, the majority of areas rely on the Department's Press Officer to deal with press/media matters. There are, however, a small number of organisations (details below) that manage their own press/media matters because of the nature of their role.
| Organisation | Details |
|---|---|
| An Garda Síochána | Press Officer position filled at the rank of Superintendent (salary scale €70,514 - €82,183). |
| Irish Prison Service | Press Officer position filled at Assistant Principal level (salary scale €65,185 - €80,678 plus €5,934 allowance p.a.). |
| Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission | Press Officer functions are the responsibility of the Head of Communications and Research which is at Assistant Principal level. As the post is currently vacant the duties are being performed by a Higher Executive Officer (salary scale €46,081 - €58,294). |
| Courts Service | Media relation services, including Press Officer duties, are provided by a private company retained on contract and paid an annual fee which is currently €94,496. |
1171. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the total number of board appointees he has made since he came to office; the names, salaries and expenses of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37361/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I can inform the Deputy that since I took up office, I have made a number of board appointments. Details of these appointments, including remuneration, if any, are set out in the following table.
Entity | First Name | Last Name | Current Remuneration p.a./per diem (€) |
|---|---|---|---|
| *Children Detention Schools Board of Management | Dan | Kelleher | No Fee Paid |
| Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime | Ray | McAndrew | 8,978 |
| Committee to monitor the effectiveness of the Garda Diversion Programme under Section 44 of the Children Act 2001 (as amended) | Norah | Gibbons | 5,985 |
| John | Cheatle | 5,985 | |
| Anne Marie | McMahon | No Fee Paid | |
| John | Twomey | No Fee Paid | |
| Courts Service Board | Deirdre | O'Keeffe | No Fee Paid |
| Pat | Doyle | 11,970 | |
| Shane | Browne | 11,970 | |
| Equality Authority | Kieran | Rose | No Fee Paid |
| Betty | O'Leary | 7,695 | |
| Ellen | Mongan | No Fee Paid | |
| Salome | Mbugua | 7,695 | |
| Paddy | Maguinness | 7,695 | |
| Christy | Lynch | No Fee Paid | |
| Lynn | Jackson | No Fee Paid | |
| Sean | Fogarty | 7,695 | |
| Nigel | Brander | 7,695 | |
| Angela | Kerins | 11,970 Chairperson | |
| Rhona | Murphy | 7,695 | |
| Peter | White | 7,695 | |
| David | Joyce | 7,695 | |
| Annette | Dolan | No Fee Paid | |
| Garda Síochána Complaints Board | Liam | Crowley | No Fee Paid |
| Annie | Walsh | No Fee Paid | |
| Shane | McCarthy | No Fee Paid | |
| Hugh | Mohan | No Fee Paid | |
| Carol | O'Kennedy | No Fee Paid | |
| Mary | Comer | No Fee Paid | |
| Ed | Ronayne | No Fee Paid | |
| Fergus | O'Callaghan | No Fee Paid | |
| Derek | Byrne | No Fee Paid | |
| Irish Legal Terms Advisory Committee | Victor | Blake | No Fee Paid |
| Judicial Appointments Advisory Board | Karen | Dent | No Fee Paid |
| Valerie | Bresnihan | No Fee Paid | |
| Simon | Boucher | No Fee Paid | |
| Legal Aid Board | Ger | Power | No Fee Paid |
| Michelle | O'Neill | 7,695 | |
| Philip | O'Leary | 7,695 | |
| John | O'Gorman | No Fee Paid | |
| Donncha | O'Connell | No Fee Paid | |
| Micheál D | O'Connell | 7,695 | |
| Oonagh | McPhillips | No Fee Paid | |
| Joy | McGlynn | No Fee Paid | |
| Kate | Hayes | 7,695 | |
| Rob | Reid | No Fee Paid | |
| David | Garvey | 7,695 | |
| Mary | Dalton | No Fee Paid | |
| Oonagh | Buckley | No Fee Paid | |
| Muriel | Walls | No Fee Paid Chairperson | |
| Mental Health (Criminal Law) Review Board | Michael | Mulcahy | 250 per case reviewed |
| Nora | McGarry | 250 per case reviewed | |
| Brian | McCracken | 75,000 ** Chairman | |
| Parole Board | John | Costello | 11,970 Chairperson |
| Willie | Connolly | 7,695 with a 149.75 per diem payment for each prison visit, to a maximum of 12,600 p.a. | |
| Eddie | Rock | 7,695 with a 149.75 per diem payment for each prison visit, to a maximum of 12,600 p.a. | |
| Shane | McCarthy | 7,695 with a 149.75 per diem payment for each prison visit, to a maximum of 12,600 p.a. | |
| Nora | McGarry | 7,695 with a 149.75 per diem payment for each prison visit, to a maximum of 12,600 p.a. | |
| Ciairín | de Buis | 7,695 with a 149.75 per diem payment for each prison visit, to a maximum of 12,600 p.a. | |
| Brian | Murphy | No Fee Paid Ex officio member | |
| Vivian | Geiran | No Fee Paid Ex officio member | |
| Private Security Appeal Board | Graham | Hanlon | 371 per sitting |
| Pat | Killalea | 170 per sitting | |
| John | Mulvihill | 170 per sitting | |
| Ciara | Feighery | 170 per sitting | |
| Property Registration Authority | Frank | Branigan | No Fee Paid effective 1/11/2011 |
| Deirdre | Fox | 11,970 | |
| Teresa | Pilkington | 11,970 | |
| Property Services Appeal Board | Patricia | O'Connor | No Fee Paid |
| Sunniva | McDonagh | No Fee Paid | |
| James | Bridgeman | No Fee Paid | |
| David | McGarry | No Fee Paid | |
| Dorothea | Dowling | No Fee Paid | |
| Philip | Moynihan | No Fee Paid | |
| Property Services Regulatory Authority | Geraldine | Clarke | 8,978 |
| Carol | Boate | No Fee Paid | |
| Edward | Carey | 5,975 | |
| Patrick | Devitt | 5,975 | |
| James | Doorley | 5,975 | |
| Deirdre | Fox | 5,975 | |
| Martin | Hanratty | No Fee Paid | |
| Josephine | Henry | 5,975 | |
| Paul | Mooney | 5,975 | |
| Myles | O'Reilly | 5,975 | |
| Regina | Terry | No Fee Paid |
1172. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
if he will detail, in tabular form, the total photography costs for his Department since coming to office inclusive of costs incurred from use of the Ministerial allowance; the occasions for which photographers were booked; the photographers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion that a photographers was used; if there is a policy regarding the booking of photographers within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37377/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I can inform the Deputy that photographic services are only used by my Department to mark high profile events and when considered absolutely necessary. Consideration is given at all times to the cost involved and best value for money is always a priority when sourcing such services. In this regard it should be noted that this service was tendered for in May 2011 and Maxwell Photography were awarded the contract as their tender represented the best value for money. Our records show that the photography costs for my Department since my appointment is set out below in tabular form.
Occasions for which photographers were booked by the Press Office | Date | Company | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch of the Visa Waiver Scheme by the Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, T.D., the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Eamon Gilmore, T.D., the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Alan Shatter, T.D. and the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar, T.D. | 30 June 2011 | Maxwell Photography | €607.42 |
| Appointment of Deputy Commissioner Noirín O'Sullivan. | 22 March 2011 | Maxwell Photography | €500.34 |
| Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Alan Shatter, T.D. and UK Immigration Minister, Damien Green, M.P., sign Joint Statement and the accompanying Memorandum of Understanding on Visa Data Exchange. | 20 December 2011 | Maxwell Photography | €618.60 |
| Conference in Dublin Castle entitled How to Elect More Women? The event was part funded by the European Social Fund (ESF). To promote the event and to comply with the publicity requirements associated with ESF projects, a photographer was booked. | 20 January 2012 | Maxwell Photography | €762.29 |
| Photography service used to mark the historic deployment of civilian immigration officers to Dublin Airport to replace Gardaí. | 1 February 2012 | Maxwell Photography | €551.35 |
| Regulatory Reform for a 21st Century Legal Profession Conference | 6 July 2012 | Maxwell Photography | €276.75 |
| Total Photography Costs to date | €3,316.75 |
1173. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
if he will detail in tabular form, the total cost of providing entertainment for his Department since coming to office inclusive of costs incurred from use of the Ministerial allowance; the occasions for which entertainment was provided; the entertainers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion; if there is a policy regarding the booking of entertainers within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37449/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
There have been no costs incurred by my Department in the hiring of entertainers since my Ministerial appointment to date. I wish to advise the Deputy that queries concerning my Ministerial Allowance are solely a matter for the Houses of the Oireachtas and all future queries should be directed to that forum.
1174. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the amount spent on food and drink by his Department; if he will provide a breakdown of what this involved; the occasions on which food and drink was provided; those present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37465/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
The total amount spent on food and drink by my Department since my Ministerial appointment to date, is €27,257. Records do not indicate the specific circumstances under which these refreshments were provided or those present. However, the provision of such refreshments are primarily to facilitate business meetings. Consideration is given at all times to the cost involved and best value for money is always a priority when sourcing such services.
1175. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the amount spent on hair and make-up by his Department since he came to office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37481/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I wish to inform the Deputy that my Department has not incurred any expenditure on hair and make-up during the time I have been in office.
1176. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the number and names of all special advisers, special press advisers, or any other type of Ministerial adviser in his Department; the name of the Minister / Minister of State to whom he reports; the salary of each advisor now; the salary of each advisor at the time they were appointed; if any salary increase was asked for; if this was granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37497/12]
1178. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the gross annual salary costs for his private and constituency offices at present; the same figures for this time last year; and the same figures for any Ministers of State in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37530/12]
1299. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the names of special advisors for whom salary increases have been requested; the amount requested; the details of those granted increases and the amount by which they were increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40024/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1176, 1178 and 1299 together.
The current staffing of my Private and Constituency offices, and their salary ranges, is set out in the following table. The level of staffing in my offices for part of 2011 was slightly higher by 0.4 of a whole time equivalent at clerical officer level. I would remind the Deputy that this Government has reduced the number of staff in a Minister's Private Office from 10 to 8 and in a Minister's Constituency Office from 6 to 4 and that the staffing of my office complies with these guidelines.
| Private Office | Salary (as of September 2012) |
|---|---|
| 1 Private Secretary | €43,816 - €55,415 + appropriate Private Secretary allowance |
| 3 Executive Officers | €30,516 - €47,975 |
| 2 Clerical Officers | €23,177 - €37,341 |
| 2 Special Advisors | €80,051 - €98,424 |
| Constituency Office | |
| 1.6 Clerical Officers | €23,177 - €37,341 |
| 1 Personal Assistant * | €43,715 - €56,060 |
| 1 Personal Secretary | €23,820 - €47,755 |
1177. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
if he will provide detail in tabular form, the names of all external public relations and consultancy persons and organisations used by his Department for the years 2011 and 2010; the amount paid to each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37513/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
There are no records to indicate that there were any payments made to external public relations persons or organisations for the years 2010 and 2011. Consultancy persons and organisations used by my Department for the years 2010 and 2011 are as follows:Year Consultant 2010 IBI Group (UK) LTD ![]()
Byrne O'Cleirigh ![]()
McCann FitzGerald Solicitors ![]()
Total ![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
2011 Byrne O'Cleirigh ![]()
LHM Casey McGrath ![]()
Forensic Navigation Services Ltd 7,316 ![]()
Prof. Gisli Gudjonsson ![]()
Total
Question No. 1178 answered with Question No. 1176.
1179. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
if he will detail in tabular form, the amount paid on external public relations and communications consultants since February 2011; the reason for the payment; the name of each organisation used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37546/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
There are no records to indicate that there were any payments made to External Public Relations, Marketing or Communication Consultants by my Department during the period February 2011 to date.
1180. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
if he will detail in tabular form, the amount paid to consultants since February 2011; the name of each organisation used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37562/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
Consultancy persons and organisations used by my Department since February 2011 are as follows:Consultant €
Byrne O'Cleirigh LHM Casey McGrath Forensic Navigation Services Ltd Prof. Gisli Gudjonsson Total ![]()
![]()
1181. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the political activities of each special adviser, special press advisers, or any other type of Ministerial adviser in his Department; if any of them were members of a political party; if so the parties to which they belonged; if any of them are or have been elected local authority members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37578/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I refer the Deputy to PQ No. 297 of 13 December, 2011 and my written reply to that question. The role of Special Advisers in giving assistance with political implications is expressly recognised in the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour. To ensure public confidence in the political impartiality of the Civil Service, paragraph 5.1 of the Code of Standards restricts civil servants above a certain grade from engaging in political activity; but, under paragraph 5.4, the restrictions do not apply to Special Advisers who hold ‘temporary unestablished positions’ and ‘whose tenure is coterminous with that of the relevant Minister’. Declaration of membership of, or links to, a political party is not required of a Special Adviser. Neither of my advisers has held elective office.
1182. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the amount spent by his Department on drivers and Ministerial transport since February 2011 [37594/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
As the Deputy will be aware, the Government introduced a number of changes for the provision of Office Holder transport during 2011. One of the consequences of that decision was that the transport arrangements in place for Ministers of State became applicable to Government Ministers, subject to very limited exceptions on security grounds. In addition, it was decided that former Presidents and Taoisigh would only be supplied with official transport for important State occasions. The revised transport arrangements came into operation for Government Ministers on 1st May 2011 and for former Office Holders on 16th June 2011.
1183. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the total amount spent since February 2011 on external reports commissioned by his Department, including payments from Ministerial allowances, details of the consultants employed and costs of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37626/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I wish to advise the Deputy that the information requested is summarised in the table below:
I wish to further advise the Deputy that questions concerning Ministerial Allowances are solely a matter for the Oireachtas. Amounts Spent from 1 March, 2011 to 31 August, 2012 on External Reports Commissioned by the Department of Justice and Equality
* 60% of the contract fee Safecon Training & Consultancy The preparation of a Safety Statement and Risk Assessment Investigation The Institute of Public Administration Work completed on a Mid-Term Progress Review of the implementation of the National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence 2010-2014 Byrne Ó Cléirigh, Consultants Advice on technical risk assessment methodology concerning explosives storage Mazars An audit on the Financial Shared Service Payroll and Financial Management Systems - these are specialist audits to ensure that these key systems have effective internal controls in place RITS Bianconi Research Ltd. To conduct a perimeter ICT security review (Penetration Test) to review and report on the integrity of the Department's existing security infrastructure Mr. Owen McCarthy A report on the workshop of National Traveller Committees Mr. John O'Sullivan (Retired Prison Governor). Enquiry into the circumstances surrounding the release of (a prisoner) from the Dóchas Centre ![]()
![]()
1184. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
if any work is being done by the Department on surrogacy births in Ireland and on the recognition of foreign surrogacies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37652/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
On 21 February 2012, I published a Guidance Document on the issues of citizenship, parentage, guardianship and travel documents in relation to children born as a result of surrogacy arrangements entered into outside the State. The Guidance Document provides information to people who intend to enter surrogacy arrangements outside the State on the practical and legal considerations arising under Irish law where the commissioning parents intend to bring the child to live with them in the State. I intend in due course to develop proposals for legislation on surrogacy to deal with matters concerning the legal relationships of commissioning adults with children born through surrogacy. In developing these legislative proposals, the welfare and best interests of children will be key considerations.
1185. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
when the final figures and report on Garda Operation Slowdown will be available; if in the final review there will be a figure for the number of vehicles monitored as well as speeding offences detected; if he will clarify if the Garda Traffic Corps or GoSafe conducted Operation Slow Down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37662/12]
1186. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
if he will clarify if Operation Slow Down was an additional surveillance operation, augmenting the existing GoSafe safety camera programme; if the speed surveillance for OSD was conducted by the Traffic Corps, GoSafe, or both; if the overall level of speed surveillance during the 24 hours of OSD higher than usual; if OSD speed surveillance was greater than normal levels; the nature and extent of the increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37663/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1185 and 1186 together.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that Operation Slowdown was put in place nationally by An Garda Síochána with other relevant stakeholders, including the Road Safety Authority, for a 24 hour period commencing at 7am on Friday, 6 July. The aims of the initiative were to raise general awareness of speeding and to encourage drivers to reduce speed at all times, not just for the 24 hour period of Operation Slowdown. Public and private sector fleet operators were also asked to participate in the initiative by circulating employees with the key message to slow down and, whether driving for business or private purposes, to always drive within the speed and at a speed appropriate to the prevailing conditions.
The operation consisted of high visibility speed enforcement activities on both national primary and secondary roads. These were carried out by local Gardaí, the Garda Traffic Corps, and also by the outsourced service provider GoSafe. I am further informed that the following table shows the total number of fixed charged notices issued during the period of Operation Slowdown.
Fixed Charge Notices issued for Speeding | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Date | Non-intercept | Intercept | Total |
Friday 6 July | 633 | 296 | 929 |
Saturday 7 July | 606 | 267 | 873 |
Question No. 1187 answered with Question No. 1154.
1188. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the position regarding citizenship in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin,. [37712/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I am advised by the Citizenship Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that an application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person referred to by the Deputy in August, 2011. The application is currently being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation, such as good character and lawful residence, and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible. While the person concerned may be Garda vetted for the purposes of his employment, confirmation that the good character condition is satisfied is required to be carried out by the Citizenship Division of INIS.
As well as being a significant event in the life of its recipient, the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation as provided for in law is also a major step for the State which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
1189. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
if he will support the matter of having more Garda in an area (details supplied) in view of the fact that there is currently a crime wave in the area. [37723/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
The Deputy will be aware that the Commissioner is responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, throughout the organisation and I have no direct function in the matter. This allocation of resources is constantly monitored in the context of crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place on a District, Divisional and Regional level to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.
1190. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the position regarding The Property Services Act in relation to new people getting an auctioneers licence particularly for small businesses. [37732/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
The Property Services (Regulation) Act 2011 repealed the Auctioneers and House Agents Acts 1947 to 1973 which previously governed the licensing of auctioneers and house agents. The new legislation provides for the establishment of the Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA) to licence, control and regulate Property Services Providers (i.e. auctioneers/estate agents, letting agents and management agents). The new PSRA licensing system came into effect on 6 July 2012.
Under the 2011 Act, any person wishing to engage in the provision of property services must obtain a licence from the PSRA. A person providing a property service without a licence is guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a class A fine or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or both, or on conviction on indictment to a fine or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or both.
The types of property services for which a licence is required are:
A comprehensive Guide to Becoming a Licensed Property Services Provider was published in June 2012 and sent to every person holding a licence under the Auctioneers and House Agents Acts 1947 to 1973. This guide is also available on the Authority's website www.psr.ie.
At present the PSRA is engaged in the processing of some 5,000 licence applications. To date all applications have been acknowledged, and applicants who were lawfully providing the property service which is the subject of the application prior to 6 July 2012 have been informed that they may continue to provide such service pending a determination of their application.
As the licensing system now being introduced is extremely comprehensive, and is being extended to cover employees as well as employers, the amount of data which must be recorded in respect of each individual is quite extensive. It is important that great care is taken to ensure that all applicants' particulars are correct and verified at this stage. Once this initial data capture is complete the renewal of licences in future years will be a much more streamlined process.
Specifically in relation to new persons wishing to become a property services provider, it is of course, open to them to make an application to the PSRA for a licence. However, the transitional provisions which relate to persons who previously were lawfully providing a property service would not apply in such cases. Therefore such persons should not provide a property service unless they have received a licence from the PSRA.
1191. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the reason HGVs are allowed to use an area (details supplied) in Dublin 9 regularly. [37743/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the H.G.V. cordon for the Dublin City Centre does not include any area north of the East Wall Road and its intersection with Alfie Byrne Road. On Griffith Avenue the in-bound lane alone, that is, from the Malahide Road in the direction of the Ballymun Road for the full length of the road in the direction East to West, is subject to a three tonne limit restriction. This restriction, however, does not fully cover the outbound lane of Griffith Avenue. H.G.V.'s are allowed travel on Griffith Avenue from the Ballymun Road to the Swords Road Junction only.
1192. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
if he will supply a list of all Labour Court recommendations that have been issued in respect of his Department and organisations under his aegis that have not been complied with in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37757/12]
1193. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
if he will provide a list of all Labour Court recommendations in respect of The Irish Prison Service, the Gardaí and The Probation Services that have not been complied with in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37762/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1192 and 1193 together.
The information in the breakdown requested by the Deputy is not readily available and to provide such detail would require the allocation of a disproportionate and inordinate amount of staff time and resources. The Labour Court website (www.labourcourt.ie) provides a decision database in respect of employment rights cases completed by the Court. If the Deputy wishes to identify any cases in respect of my Department and agencies under its aegis, I will see that he is provided with details regarding the implementation of the recommendations.
1194. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the position regarding an application for Stamp 4 in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37770/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
Arising from the refusal of her asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 7 April 2004, that the then Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against her. Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned. The position in the State of the person concerned will now be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted, including those relating to the possible relevance of the Zambrano judgement to the case, will be considered before a final decision is made. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.
1195. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the position regarding an application for residency status in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37771/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
There is currently no application pending in my Department for residency in the case of the person whose details were supplied. If an application for asylum has been made by the person concerned the Deputy will of course be aware that it is not the practice to comment on asylum applications that are pending. Applications for refugee status in the State are determined by an independent process comprising the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal which make recommendations to the Minister on whether such status should be granted. All applications for refugee status are considered on their individual merits on a case by case basis having regard to the subjective and objective elements of the claim.
1196. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
if he intends reviewing the law in relation to sexual offences to ensure that those who carry out sexual attacks receive appropriate sentences particularly in view of the sentence handed down by the courts recently in the Lyons case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37778/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
As the judiciary are independent and subject only to the Constitution and the law, it would be inappropriate for a member of the Executive to make any comments connected to a sentence in an individual case, particularly where the sentence is or could become the subject of an appeal. More generally, legislation relating to sexual offences usually provides for the maximum sentence to be imposed. In some cases, special provisions apply. For example, an offence by a person in authority is effectively treated as an aggravating factor in the case of certain sexual offences against children.
1197. Deputy Kevin Humphreys
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
if any consideration has been given to implementing Section 45 of the Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 to extend the jurisdiction of the Circuit Court acting in land law matters from land with a ratable valuation of €200 to land with a market value of €3,000,000 and has he given any consideration to the way this may help homeowners faced with mortgage litigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37787/12]
1198. Deputy Kevin Humphreys
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
when Section 13 and 14 of the Courts and Courts Officers Act 2002 will be commenced to extend the civil limits to €100,000 at the Circuit Court and €20,000 at the District Court; if he will consider implementing this legislation; if not his reasons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37788/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1197 and 1198 together.
1199. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the position regarding an application for naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37799/12]
1238. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the basis on which it was alleged that a person (details supplied) in County Dublin did not meet the residency condition on the grounds that they were not one full year permanently in this State when they applied in view of the fact that they spent the entire year in college here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38471/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1199 and 1238 together.
I am advised that an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy was received in the Citizenship Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) in May, 2008 and my predecessor decided in his absolute discretion to refuse the application. The person concerned was informed of this and the reasons for it in a letter issued on 16 December, 2010.
A second application for a certificate of naturalisation was received in September, 2011. One of the statutory residency requirements as set out in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, is that an applicant have one year's continuous reckonable residence in the State immediately prior to the date of application. On examination of the application submitted, it was determined that the person in question had a gap in the permission to remain stamps in their passport for part of the period in question. The application was consequently deemed to be ineligible and the person concerned was informed of this in a letter issued on 15 August, 2012.
It is open to any individual to lodge an application for citizenship if and when they are in a position to meet the prescribed statutory requirements. The on-line Naturalisation Residency Calculator can be used as a guide to whether an individual satisfies the naturalisation residency conditions and, if not, give an indication of how long they should wait before making an application.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
1200. Deputy Brendan Ryan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
his views on the process for the appointment of the position of prison chaplain in a prison (details supplied) in Dublin 7; if this is the process followed in all prisons in view of the fact that there has been a change in this process in recent months; if so, the reason this change has been made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37802/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
Catholic chaplains are appointed by the Minister for Justice and Equality following a recommendation from the Bishop of the Diocese in which the prison is situated. There has been no change to this process in recent months. I should point out that prison chaplains are full-time employees of the Irish Prison Service and as such any vacancies which arise are subject to the moratorium on public sector recruitment.
1201. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the position regarding an application for naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37808/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that an application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person referred to by the Deputy in September, 2011. The application is currently being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation, such as good character and lawful residence, and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible.
As well as being a significant event in the life of its recipient, the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation as provided for in law is also a major step for the State which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
1202. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the position regarding the determination of residency in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37809/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
The person concerned arrived in the State in September 2009 and made an application for refugee status. The application was refused by the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the applicant was informed of this in January 2010. An appeal was made to the Refugee Appeals Tribunal in February 2010. The appeal, which was heard in July 2010, affirmed the recommendation of the Refugee Applications Commissioner.
1203. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the position regarding an application for naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37810/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that an application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person referred to by the Deputy in August, 2011. The application is currently being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation, such as good character and lawful residence, and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible.
As well as being a significant event in the life of its recipient, the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation as provided for in law is also a major step for the State which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
1204. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the position regarding an application for naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37813/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that an application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person referred to by the Deputy in October, 2011. The application is currently being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation, such as good character and lawful residence, and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible.
As well as being a significant event in the life of its recipient, the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation as provided for in law is also a major step for the State which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
1205. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the current situation in relation to the merger into the new Censorship Office of the office of the Irish Film Censor, the Irish Film Classification Office and the Censorship of Publications Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37817/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
Budget 2009 proposed a range of measures regarding the rationalisation of State Agencies. One of these proposals was to amalgamate the Censorship of Publications Board and its Appeal Board with the Irish Film Classification Office. With effect from June 2009, in line with the Budget decision, administrative support for the Classifications of Films Appeal Board, the Censorship of Publications Board and the Censorship of Publications Appeal Board is provided by the Irish Film Classification Office. There is no proposal at this time to create a merged Censorship Office.
1206. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
his plans and proposals regarding all 15 prison visiting committees; if he will outline the current position in relation to this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37818/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
The Government has approved the drafting of a General Scheme of an Inspection of Places of Detention Bill, which will include provisions to make Visiting Committees more effective, while they continue their role of visiting prisons, meeting with prisoners, and liaising on their behalf with prison authorities. A link will be established between the Visiting Committees and the Inspector of Prisons. As part of these plans, it is intended to expand the role of the Inspector of Prisons. I believe this will greatly enhance the Inspector's independent oversight of the prison system.
1207. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the position regarding recruiting persons with a disability; the number of persons currently employed in his Department; the number of persons with a disability that have been employed since 1 January 2011 to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37841/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
There are currently 2,059 staff employed in my Department. The Deputy will be aware that, as part of the process of restoring credibility to our public finances, there is currently a moratorium on recruitment in operation across the Civil and Public Service. Accordingly, recruitment opportunities will only arise in very limited and targeted circumstances. A small number of staff would have been recruited as an exception to the Moratorium during the period in question. It is not, however, possible to say how many of those have disabilities as people are not required to disclose a disability when they are being employed.
1208. Deputy Joanna Tuffy
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
his plans to resume Garda recruitment in the near future in view of the rising crime levels and the retirement of 300 plus Gardai; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37862/12]
1214. Deputy Robert Dowds
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
if he intends to review the effects of the embargo on recruitment to an Garda Síochána; and if consideration will be given to lifting the embargo. [37933/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1208 and 1214 together.
1209. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the statistics for male drivers under 30 years involved in fatal accidents each year over the past 10 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37917/12]
1211. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
in view of the number of fatal accidents involving male drivers under 30 years, his proposals to deal with problem ; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37921/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1209 and 1211 together.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the statutory body responsible for compiling, preparing, publishing and distributing collision statistics. I understand from the RSA that the following table illustrates the number of male drivers, in the 17 - 30 age group, that were involved in fatal collisions during the period 2000 - 2010. All male drivers in the 17 - 30 age group involved in fatal collisions for the period 2000 - 2010
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 173 155 141 129 136 144 145 129 107 89 80
Collision data identifies young male drivers as vulnerable persons in terms of road safety and, in that regard, An Garda Síochána conducts specific operations to improve the compliance culture and reduce the level of death and injuries among such drivers. The Garda authorities are working with relevant stakeholders, in particular the Road Safety Authority, to promote road safety through the media, in schools and third level institutions. Garda Road Safety Awareness Programmes are also focussed on enhancing compliance with road traffic laws and reducing the incidence of fatal and serious injury collisions within this target group.
The Minister is also informed that the Garda authorities continue to analyse collision history on the road network. Speed enforcement zones are utilised to ensure targeted and proportionate speed enforcement activity with the overall objective of reducing the number of speed related collisions and serious injuries on our roads. Furthermore, An Garda Síochána carry out planned and ‘ad hoc’ checkpoints, including Mandatory Alcohol Testing.
Traffic Corps personnel, assisted by both regular uniform and plain clothes personnel regularly target areas where young male drivers congregate and conduct mobile patrols and checkpoints in these areas. Websites are monitored to assist in establishing where such events are taking place and to implement the necessary response. As part of their duties, members of An Garda Síochána regularly interact with such road users, which may result in informal resolution (caution / admonition), issue of Fixed Charge Notices and / or the initiation of formal proceedings, where appropriate.
1210. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the measures he is taking to monitor sex offenders on their release from jail. [37918/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
The Sex Offenders Act 2001 introduced notification requirements, post-release supervision orders and civil orders restricting sex offenders in certain ways. As the Deputy may know the Garda Síochaná has a system in place for the monitoring of all persons subject to the notification requirements. The Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Investigation Unit monitors and manages the notification provisions and maintains all information relating to persons who have obligations under the Act. As soon as this Unit is advised by a relevant authority of the impending release or movement of a sex offender this information is immediately passed to the nominated Garda Inspector with responsibility for the monitoring of persons subject to the notification requirements in their area.
Question No. 1211 answered with Question No. 1209.
1212. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
if he will review the decision to deport a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37931/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 202 of 20th of October, 2011. The position is unchanged since then.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited. The person concerned arrived in the State on 2nd August, 2002 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following the consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Arising from the refusal of his asylum application, the persons case was then examined in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), it was proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of submitting written representations setting out reasons why he should not be deported. He was also advised of his entitlement to submit an application for Subsidiary Protection in accordance with the provisions of the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006. The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection and also submitted representations pursuant to Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended).
Following the consideration of his application for Subsidiary Protection, a decision was taken that the person concerned was not eligible for Subsidiary Protection.
The case of the person concerned was then considered under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement before a Deportation Order was made in respect of him.
The case of the person concerned was then considered under Section 3(11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended). The outcome of the consideration was that the decision to make a deportation order in respect of him remained unchanged.
As mentioned in numerous replies to Parliamentary Questions, the above named person has been evading his deportation since 3 November 2009 and should he come to the notice of the Garda authorities, he would be liable to arrest and detention. He should, therefore, present himself to the Garda National Immigration Bureau without any further delay.
1213. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the progress made to date in determination of an application for naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37932/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) in September 2011. On examination of the application submitted it was determined that the person in question did not meet that statutory residency requirements as set out in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. The person concerned was informed of this in a letter issued to her on 23 July 2012.
It is open to the individual referred to by the Deputy to lodge a further application for citizenship if and when they are in a position to meet the prescribed statutory requirements. The on-line Naturalisation Residency Calculator available on the INIS web-site at www.inis.gov.ie can be used as a guide to whether an individual satisfies the naturalisation residency conditions and, if not, give an indication of how long they should wait before making an application.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
Question No. 1214 answered with Question No. 1208.
1215. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the current or expected status in relation to an application for residency in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37973/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I have been informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the person referred to by the Deputy has permission to remain and work in the State until 6 January 2013. He has not contacted INIS in relation to an extension of permission to remain in the State beyond that date or to change the status of that permission.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
1216. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the position regarding an application for residency in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 2; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37983/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
Arising from the refusal of his asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 21 August 2008, that the then Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against him. In addition, he was notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006.
1217. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the position regarding the residency status in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38008/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
The person concerned is a failed asylum applicant. Arising from the refusal of his asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 29 January, 2008, that the then Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against him. In addition, he was notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in accordance with the provisions of the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006.
1218. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15 is entitled to Stamp 4; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38011/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the person referred to by the Deputy may apply to the General Immigration Division of INIS, 13/14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2 to have his case reviewed.
1219. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
if an extension to a visa will be granted while awaiting decision on a Stamp 2 visa in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38012/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I have been informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the person mentioned by the Deputy entered the State on 27 July 2007 and was registered in the State as a Student until 7 August 2012. A student who first entered the State or commenced their studies after 31 December 2004 is subject to the conditions of the New Regime for full time non-EEA students, which was published in September 2010 and has been in effect since 1 January 2011. It is available on the INIS website: www.inis.gov.ie. This policy stipulates that non-EEA nationals may reside in Ireland as students, subject to the provisions of the new regime, for a maximum aggregate period of seven years. A student is responsible for managing their studies to ensure compliance with this time limit.
This aggregate period may consist of periods of study on language or non-degree level courses as well as degree level courses. However, it is a condition of the new regime that the maximum time a student may stay in Ireland for the purpose of attending courses at language or non degree level is limited to 3 years. In line with the new regime, it is permissible for students who come to Ireland on a language or non-degree programme course to enrol on a course on the degree programme but subject to the overall limit of 7 years not being exceeded. Courses under this programme must be listed on the Internationalisation Register. The person in question has exceeded the maximum 3 year period that a non EEA national is permitted to remain in the State to pursue a course of studies at language and non degree level.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
1220. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the position regarding an application for naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38014/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that an application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person referred to by the Deputy in September, 2010. The application is currently being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation, such as good character and lawful residence, and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible.
1221. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the position regarding an entitlement to Stamp 4 in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38016/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the person mentioned by the Deputy has an application for a change of her immigration Status currently pending with the General Immigration Section of INIS. It is expected that a decision will issue to this person in the coming days.
1222. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the position regarding residency status in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38022/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
Arising from the refusal of his asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 25 July, 2008, that the then Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against him. In addition, he was notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in accordance with the provisions of the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006).
1223. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
if he will review a deportation order issued in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38023/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
In September 2005, the person concerned applied for recognition as a refugee at the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner. The application was refused by the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the applicant was informed of this in January 2006. An appeal was made to the Refugee Appeals Tribunal in February 2006. The appeal, which was heard in May 2006, affirmed the recommendation of the Refugee Applications Commissioner.
1224. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
her views on a matter (details supplied). [38047/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I can advise the Deputy that the management of Portlaoise Prison are aware of the issues raised by the prisoner in question. The prisoner referred to made a complaint to Portlaoise Prison management regarding the lack of wheelchair access to the C block visiting area. Following the complaint, wheelchair accessible ramps were installed outside the entrance to the visiting area and alterations were made in the main open visiting area on the ground floor to allow one wheelchair user access to the visiting box counter. I am informed that this work was inspected by the Irish Wheelchair Association who were satisfied with the level of access provided.
1225. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
his views on a matter (details supplied). [38048/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
This matter concerns a complaint by a member of the public alleging misconduct on the part of members of the Garda Síochána. The complaint, although made at a Garda station, falls to be examined by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission under the terms of the Garda Síochána Act 2005. The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission is an independent, statutory body which was established to receive complaints made by members of the public concerning the conduct of members of the Garda Síochána. It would not be appropriate, therefore, for me to comment on any matter under examination by it.
1226. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
at what point are motoring offences disregarded with respect to applications for residency status; if he will outline if motoring offences are disregarded after a certain amount of time or are they always taken into consideration; if such offences will prohibit a person from long term residency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38095/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the granting of Long Term Residency is subject to an applicant meeting a number of requirements including that he or she has completed five years legal residency in the State on work permit / work authorisation / working visa conditions and is deemed to be of good character.
1227. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
if he will support a matter (details supplied). [38110/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
The question of a 72 hour visa as alluded to by the Deputy does not arise in this case. It is understood that the individual referred to by the Deputy is a citizen of the United States of America. As such, he does not require a visa to travel to Ireland, but is subject to the usual immigration control provisions which apply to everybody who arrives in Ireland irrespective of nationality. Section 4 (2) of the Immigration Act 2004 provides that a non-national coming by air or sea from a place outside the state shall, on arrival in the state, present himself or herself to an Immigration Officer for permission to land or be in the state. Section 4(3) of the Immigration Act sets out the eleven grounds on which a person may be refused entry to the State.
1228. Deputy Kevin Humphreys
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
in view of the fact that the Casino Regulation Committee report was published in July 2008 and Options for Regulating Gambling was published in December 2010, when will the heads of the Gambling Control Bill be published; if he intends to have a further consultation period before bringing forward such a bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38214/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
The Deputy will recall that in September 2011, I announced that the Government had approved my proposals for new legislation on the regulation of gambling. I am pleased to report that the Heads of a Bill are at a very advanced stage in my Department and that I hope to bring them to Government later this term for its approval and agreement to proceed to formal drafting.
1229. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
in respect of the Garda station on Harcourt Street, Dublin, the reason the station was not vacated and handed over in accordance with the terms of the contract; if he will confirm that temporary accommodation for the complement at Harcourt Street was available or could have been made available; and the reason this accommodation was not used. [38310/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I am informed that the issues raised by the Deputy are the subject of ongoing legal proceedings and in this context it would be inappropriate for me to comment on this matter.
1230. Deputy John Paul Phelan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
if he will provide the names and addresses of current peace commissioners in County Kilkenny as of the 1 September 2012. [38369/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I can inform the Deputy that as of 1 September 2012 there are 145 Peace Commissioners recorded as appointed for County Kilkenny. I have instructed my officials to collate the information and to forward it to you in the coming days.
1231. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the annual cost of crime to the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38404/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
Because of the complexities inherent in attempting to make a comprehensive assessment of the total cost of crime to the State, it is not possible to provide a figure of the kind sought by the Deputy. However, insofar as my Department is concerned I can inform the Deputy that the gross expenditure associated with the operation of An Garda Síochána, the Prisons and Courts Services as well as other services related to crime and criminal justice amounted to €4.23bn in 2011. This figure does not include the cost to the State of other response services, for example in the area of health and social services, or the direct cost to the State of theft or of losses arising from customs and other fraud.
1232. Deputy John Lyons
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
further to Parliamentary Question No. 460 of 26 June 2012 if he is now in a position to furnish a detailed reply to this question. [38410/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
The delay in responding with the requested details is regretted but the information is now to hand. The Garda authorities inform me that the specific event referred to takes place on the first Sunday of every month with events in March and September attracting the largest number of patrons. I am further informed that the estimated cost for policing the Smithfield Fair each month is €4,000 except for the months of March and September where, due to an increase in patrons attending, the approximate cost for policing the Smithfield Fair is estimated at €13,700. This includes the cost of Sunday overtime and allowances. Local Garda management are satisfied there are sufficient Gardaí deployed on the first Sunday each month to police the event.
1233. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the cost of operating Garda stations in Doon and Shanagolden in County Limerick during the years 2009, 2010, and 2011; the savings that have been made in the Limerick Division as a result of the closure of these stations in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38454/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
The Garda Commissioner is the Accounting Officer for the Garda Vote. In that context I have been informed by the Garda authorities that financial operating cost statements are maintained at District Headquarters level rather than at Garda station level. In the circumstances the Deputy will appreciate that the specific financial information he has sought is not readily available and I understand that the provision of such information would require a disproportionate amount of Garda time and resources which are required for other purposes.
1234. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the current position and progress made to date in the determination of eligibility for citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38465/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that a valid application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person referred to by the Deputy in August, 2010. The application is at an advanced stage of processing and the applicant will be informed of my decision in due course. It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. Considerable resources are deployed to process applications and these resources together with the necessary administrative arrangements are kept under review.
1235. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
if and when residency status can be determined in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 4; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38467/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I have been informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that they have not received an application from the person mentioned by the Deputy. However, I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the person referred to by the Deputy entered the State in 2007 and has been registered in the State as a student since 22 March 2007. Her current permission to remain is due to expire on 22 March 2013.
A student who first entered the State or commenced their studies after 31 December 2004 is subject to the conditions of the New Regime for full time non-EEA students, which was published in September 2010 and has been in effect since 1 January 2011. It is available on the INIS website: www.inis.gov.ie. This policy stipulates that non-EEA nationals may reside in Ireland as students, subject to the provisions of the new regime, for a maximum aggregate period of seven years. A student is responsible for managing their studies to ensure compliance with this time limit.
This aggregate period may consist of periods of study on language or non-degree level courses as well as degree level courses. However, it is a condition of the new regime that the maximum time a student may stay in Ireland for the purpose of attending courses at language or non degree level is limited to 3 years. In line with the new regime, it is permissible for students who come to Ireland on a language or non-degree programme course to enrol on a course on the degree programme but subject to the overall limit of 7 years not being exceeded. Courses under this programme must be listed on the Internationalisation Register. The person in question has exceeded the maximum 3 year period that a non EEA national is permitted to remain in the State to pursue a course of studies at language and non degree level.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
1236. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the current position regarding residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38468/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
The person concerned has had her leave to remain in the State renewed for a further three year period, to 20 July 2013. This decision was conveyed in writing to the person concerned by letter dated 17 August 2010. The children of the person concerned have been granted leave to remain in line with their mother. There is no provision for children under 16 years of age to be registered in their own right.
1237. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the current position and or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 16; the further procedures required to regularise position in respect of their four children all born in this jurisdiction, two of whom have Irish passports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38469/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
The person concerned was granted temporary permission to remain in the State on 28 June, 2005 for a two year period, under the revised arrangements applicable to the non-EEA national parents of Irish born children born in the State before 1 January, 2005, more commonly known as the IBC/05 Scheme. This permission was renewed in 2007 and again in 2010, and is currently valid until 28 June, 2013. The person concerned stated that she was the parent of two children born in the State in her IBC/05 application. However, while the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) is not currently aware of the details of subsequent children born to the person concerned, I should add that a minor dependant child is covered by the permission granted to their parent once the child is resident with the parent in the State. On reaching the age of sixteen, such a child is required to register in their own right with the Garda National Immigration Bureau having obtained the permission of the Minister to do so.
I am advised by the Citizenship Division of INIS that there is no record of an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's question. It is open to any individual to lodge an application for citizenship if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements as prescribed in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 as amended. The on-line Naturalisation Residency Calculator available on the INIS web-site at www.inis.gov.ie can be used as a guide to whether an individual satisfies the naturalisation residency conditions and, if not, give an indication of how long they should wait before making an application.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
Question No. 1238 answered with Question No. 1199.
1239. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the current and or expected position regarding residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38472/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
The person concerned has had his leave to remain in the State renewed for a further one year period, to 5 September 2013. This decision was conveyed in writing to the person concerned by letter dated 4 September 2012.
1240. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the current or expected position with regard to residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38476/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
The person concerned was granted temporary permission to remain in the State on 9 December, 2005 for a two year period, under the revised arrangements applicable to the non-EEA national parents of Irish born children born in the State before 1 January, 2005, more commonly known as the IBC/05 Scheme. The permission was renewed in 2007 and again in 2010, and is currently valid until 15 November, 2013.
1241. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the amount of money spent on an annual basis on education and training of staff in 2011 and to date in 2012; the number of staff that availed of each course; if he will provide a list of the courses staff undertook and the cost of each course per person. [38489/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
Meeting the learning and development needs of both the Department and its staff is primarily the responsibility of the Corporate Learning Unit (CLU). There are, however, a number of areas within my Department, such as the Probation Service and the Forensic Science Laboratory, which have their own Training Units because of their specialist training needs. The programme of training provided by CLU includes:
I am advised that approximately 850 staff availed of this programme of training in 2011 and 380 to date in 2012, however, a breakdown of the information in the manner requested by the Deputy is not readily available and to provide such detail would require the allocation of a disproportionate and inordinate amount of staff time and resources.
1242. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the number of single vehicle fatal and serious collisions since 2009; the number of these that involved learner drivers; the number of these learners that were driving unaccompanied or without L plates at the time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38537/12]
1243. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the number of learner drivers without L plates displayed that were involved in a fatal or serious collision each year since 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38538/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1242 and 1243 together.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the statutory body responsible for compiling, preparing, publishing and distributing collision statistics. I understand from the RSA that the following table illustrates the number of single vehicle fatal and serious injury collisions from 2009 to 2010, the latest date for which figures have been collated.
Table 1: The number of single vehicle fatal and serious injury collisions from 2009 to 2010
Single Vehicle Fatal and Serious Injury Collisions | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Year | Fatal collisions | Serious injury collisions | Total |
2009 | 83 | 149 | 232 |
2010 | 77 | 122 | 199 |
Total | 160 | 271 | |
Driver Licence Status | Fatal Collision (drivers)* | Serious Injury Collision (drivers)* |
|---|---|---|
Learner Unaccompanied | 45 | 83 |
Learner Accompanied | 8 | 15 |
Total | 53 | 98 |
Year | Fatal Collision Learner Driver* | Serious Injury Collision Learner Driver* |
|---|---|---|
2009 | 23 | 30 |
2010 | 14 | 25 |
2011 | 11 | 25 |
2012 (to date) | 5 | 18 |
Total | 53 | 98 |
1244. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the results of the latest Garda national operation learner driver enforcement day on 5 July 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38539/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
The Deputy will be aware that the Garda authorities have conducted three specific enforcement operations to date this year targeting learner drivers, under Operation Learner Driver, in conjunction with the Road Safety Authority and other relevant stakeholders (on 1 / 2 March, 19 April and 5 July, 2012). A substantial number of cautions and proceedings arose as a result of these initiatives. The following table provides a combined breakdown of offences detected during the operation conducted on 5 July, 2012 (in some cases both offences were committed by the same driver):
Number of Learner Drivers Driving Unaccompanied and or Without L-plates Detected under Operation Learner Driver on 5 July, 2012 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Number of Learner Drivers Checked | Unaccompanied | No L-plates | Caution | Proceedings commenced* |
1,246 | 322 | 250 | 276 | 172 |
1245. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the number of drivers involved in a fatal or serious road collision that were tested for alcohol from 1 January 2012 to 30 June 2012; the number of fatal or serious collisions that have occurred since January 2012 in which the drivers involved have not been tested for their alcohol level either at the crash scene, in the Garda station or in hospital and the reasons for not testing in all cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38540/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I have sought a report from the Garda authorities on the matter referred to and will write to the Deputy when the information is to hand.
1246. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the current and or expected position with regards to residency status in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38566/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
The person concerned is a failed asylum applicant. Arising from the refusal of her asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 30 March, 2010, that the then Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the then Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against her. In addition, she was notified of her entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in accordance with the provisions of the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006.
1247. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
if Stamp 4 will be updated in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38567/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
The person concerned is a sibling of an Irish born child of non-EEA parents born in the State prior to 1 January, 2005. He was advised by the Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) to register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) for permission to remain in the State on the basis of family dependency on 29 March, 2009. I am informed he did not attend to register with GNIB until 25 June, 2012. Due to the time lapse involved, his registration was not processed and he was advised to contact INIS with a view to regularising his status in the State. His application to do so was received on 2 July, 2012 and further documentation was requested by letter from him on 24 July, 2012. His response is currently being examined by the relevant officials in INIS and a decision will be communicated to him shortly.
1248. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
if, based on residency status, a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1 is eligible for naturalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38568/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
Section 15 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, provides that the Minister may, in his absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation provided certain statutory conditions are fulfilled. The conditions are that the applicant must -
It is open to any individual to lodge an application for citizenship if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements as prescribed in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 as amended. The on-line Naturalisation Residency Calculator available on the INIS web-site at www.inis.gov.ie can be used as a guide to whether an individual satisfies the naturalisation residency conditions and, if not, give an indication of how long they should wait before making an application. (i) made a declaration, in the prescribed manner, of fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the State, and
(ii) undertaken to faithfully observe the laws of the State and to respect its democratic values.
In the context of naturalisation, certain periods of residence in the State are excluded. These include -
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
1249. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
if, based on residency status, a person (details supplied) in County Dublin is eligible for naturalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38571/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
The person concerned has been granted Leave to Remain in the State for the period to 4 September 2015. This decision was conveyed in writing to the person concerned by letter dated 4 September 2012. Section 15 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, provides that the Minister may, in his absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation provided certain statutory conditions are fulfilled. The conditions are that the applicant must -
It is open to any individual to lodge an application for citizenship if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements as prescribed in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 as amended. The on-line Naturalisation Residency Calculator available on the INIS web-site at www.inis.gov.ie can be used as a guide to whether an individual satisfies the naturalisation residency conditions and, if not, give an indication of how long they should wait before making an application. (i) made a declaration, in the prescribed manner, of fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the State, and
(ii) undertaken to faithfully observe the laws of the State and to respect its democratic values.
In the context of naturalisation, certain periods of residence in the State are excluded. These include -
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
1250. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the progress made to date made in respect of updating Stamp 4 in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38633/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
The person concerned was granted Leave to Remain in the State for the period to 13 September 2012. This decision was conveyed in writing to the person concerned by letter dated 13 September 2011. The person concerned is required to apply in writing for the renewal of this permission. The Department's records show no record of such a renewal application having been made to date and it is recommended that the person concerned should apply without further delay.
1251. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the position regarding an application for citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38635/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
The Deputy will be aware that an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy was received in the Citizenship Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) in September, 2009 and I decided to refuse the application. The person concerned was informed of this and the reasons for it in a letter issued on 3 July, 2012. The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended, provides that the Minister may, in his absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation provided certain statutory conditions are fulfilled. One such condition is that I must be satisfied that the applicant is of good character.
It would be inappropriate for me to indicate how specific offences will be considered in any future application as each application is considered on its merits based on the entirety of the case presented. I can inform the Deputy that I am concerned to ensure that the threshold of what constitutes good character is, taking all things into account, maintained at an appropriate level and as such is fair to all applicants having regard to their particular circumstances.
1252. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the current and or expected status and in entitlement thereto in respect of naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38636/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) in July 2012. On examination of the application submitted it was determined that the person in question did not meet the statutory residency requirements as set out in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. The person concerned was informed of this in a letter issued to her on 27 August, 2012.
It is open to any individual to lodge an application for citizenship if and when they are in a position to meet the prescribed statutory requirements. The on-line Naturalisation Residency Calculator available on the INIS web-site at www.inis.gov.ie can be used as a guide to whether an individual satisfies the naturalisation residency conditions and, if not, give an indication of how long they should wait before making an application.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
1253. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
if he will list the members of the Parole Board in 2011 and the bodies that they represent; if he will detail the payments made to each member broken down by fees, allowances and expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38640/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
Details on membership in 2011 are set out in the Board's Annual Report for last year which I published recently and is available on my Department's website at www.justice.ie. At the same time, I announced four appointments, all of whom have a diverse wealth of experience and knowledge which they will bring to their roles. That experience is outlined fully in the biographical details of each individual supplied in the press release accompanying the report's publication. Bodies represented on the Board in an ex-officio capacity include my Department, the Irish Prison Service and the Probation Service.
The chairman is paid a fee of €11,970 per annum. In addition to an annual fee of €7,695, members are paid a per diem fee of €149.75 per prison interview for conducting prisoner interviews. An annual fee has not been paid to ex-officio members since 1st November, 2011. Travel and subsistence payments are made in accordance with civil service guidelines.
The total amount paid in 2011 was €115,039 broken down as follows:-
Of the individuals concerned, the highest payment to any member was €14,560.47. Fees€85,928
Per Diem€7,188
Travel & Subsistence€21,923.
1254. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
in view of his decision to establish the Parole Board on a statutory basis in 2011, the date on which the heads of the Parole Board Bill will be published; if he intends to have a further consultation period before bringing forward such a Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38641/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I announced my intention last year to enact legislation to place the interim Parole Board on a statutory footing which I believe will help to strengthen the Board and improve its functions. As I said before, my Department is currently considering exactly what role a statutory Parole Board should play, what powers it should have, and the implications of same with a view to preparing the Heads of a Bill. I do not have a date as yet but it is intended that the Heads, when finalised, will be forwarded to the Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality for its consideration.
1255. Deputy Tom Fleming
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
if he will give approval for DNA testing on recent skull and bone finds off the coast of County Wexford in view of the fact that these finds are in the vicinity of Hook Head where there were a number of fisherman fatalities in 2007; if he will allow the test to proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38642/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I am informed by the Garda authorities that during the last three years, there have been a number of human bone and skull finds off the Coast of County Wexford and Waterford. Enquires to establish the identity of the human remains referred to by the Deputy have not yielded any positive results to date and consideration is now being afforded by the Garda authorities to having nuclear and mitochondrial DNA analysis conducted on the remains concerned.
Question No. 1256 answered with question No. 1156.
Question No. 1257 answered with question No. 1157.
1258. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
further to Parliamentary Question No. 167 of the 24 June 2010, and further to the awarding of citizenship to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare if their 13 year old child can join them or can they apply in their own right; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38727/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
An application for a Certificate of Naturalisation may be made by a naturalised parent on behalf of their minor child. However, the child should generally have three or more years residency in the State prior to the date of application.
1259. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
if Stamp 2 visa will be granted in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38728/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I have been informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the person mentioned by the Deputy entered the State on 8 December 2006 and was registered as a student in the State from 21 December 2006 to 13 June 2012. A student who first entered the State or commenced their studies after 31 December 2004 is subject to the conditions of the New Regime for full time non-EEA students, which was published in September 2010 and has been in effect since 1 January 2011. It is available on the INIS website: www.inis.gov.ie. This policy stipulates that non-EEA nationals may reside in Ireland as students, subject to the provisions of the new regime, for a maximum aggregate period of seven years. A student is responsible for managing their studies to ensure compliance with this time limit.
This aggregate period may consist of periods of study on language or non-degree level courses as well as degree level courses. However, it is a condition of the new regime that the maximum time a student may stay in Ireland for the purpose of attending courses at Language or non degree level is limited to 3 years. In line with the new regime, it is permissible for students who come to Ireland on a language or non-degree programme course to enrol on a course on the degree programme but subject to the overall limit of 7 years not being exceeded. Courses under this programme must be listed on the Internationalisation Register. The person in question has exceeded the maximum 3 year period that a non EEA national is permitted to remain in the State to pursue a course of studies at language and non degree level.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
1260. Deputy Brendan Griffin
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
when the Garda who retired recently will be replaced at Waterville Station, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38749/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
The Deputy will be aware that the Commissioner is responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, throughout the organisation and I have no direct function in the matter. This allocation of resources is constantly monitored in the context of crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place on a District, Divisional and Regional level to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public. Waterville is in the Cahirciveen Garda District and as of 31st July 2012, the latest date for which figures are readily available, there were 38 Gardai assigned to the District.
1261. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the procedure to be followed in the case of a person (details supplied) and their children to regularise their residency, update their Stamp 4 and prepare to apply for naturalisation in view of the fact that they are an EU national, holding an alien’s passport; the procedures to be followed to achieve a satisfactory solution in this instance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38753/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I refer the deputy to my reply to parliamentary Question No. 627 of 11 January, 2012 which is set out below.
I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the person referred to by the Deputy was granted permission to remain in the State for one year in 2000 under the arrangements then in place for the non-EEA parents of Irish born children. This permission was renewed subsequently and the last renewal period was valid to 1 September 2008, the expiry date on her Latvian aliens passport.
In light of her current circumstances and given that her previous registration had lapsed for over 12 months, the person concerned cannot have her period of registration renewed without having obtained a formal renewal decision letter from my Department. Accordingly, the person concerned should now make a formal written renewal request to my Department, c/o the Irish Immigration and Naturalisation Service (INIS), PO Box 10003, Dublin 1. Upon receipt of such renewal application, the case of the person concerned will be examined by the relevant officials in my Department. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.
I am informed that an application was received in INIS by her solicitor to regularise her status in the State on 23 August, 2012. This application is currently being examined by the relevant officials in INIS and a decision will be communicated to her shortly.
Applications were submitted for a Certificate of Naturalisation by the person concerned and her two children, one of whom was a minor, in August 2005. My predecessor, at his absolute discretion, decided to refuse the applications. The applicants were informed of the Minister's decision and the reasons for the decision in letters issued to them in 2009. Judicial Review proceedings were initiated in the High Court challenging the decisions. As these proceedings are ongoing, the matter is sub judice and it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on this case at this time.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
1262. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the position regarding residency/naturalisation in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Cork and their their spouse and their family who have been here for the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38774/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
There is currently no application pending in my Department for residency or naturalisation in the case of the persons whose details were supplied. If an application for asylum has been made by the persons concerned the Deputy will of course be aware that it is not the practice to comment on asylum applications that are pending.
1263. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
if he will review the application for citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who made their application in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38775/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that there is no record of an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's question. It is open to any individual to lodge an application for citizenship if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements as prescribed in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 as amended. The on-line Naturalisation Residency Calculator available on the INIS web-site at www.inis.gov.ie can be used as a guide to whether an individual satisfies the naturalisation residency conditions and, if not, give an indication of how long they should wait before making an application.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
1264. Deputy Peter Mathews
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
further to Parliamentary Question No. 200 of 22 September 2011, the progress that has been made on this application; when a decision will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38790/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that a valid application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person referred to by the Deputy in September, 2008. The application is currently being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible. While good progress continues to be made in reducing the large volume of cases on hands, the nature of the naturalisation process is such that for a broad range of reasons some cases will take longer than others to process.
1265. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
his views on issues raised by a person on behalf of Professional Insurance Brokers Association (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38834/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
The precise details in regard to the regulation of personal insolvency practitioners require further consideration in the final development of the Personal Insolvency Bill 2012 in consultation with the Department of Finance, the Central Bank and relevant professional bodies. I will be bringing forward detailed proposals by way of amendments to the Bill during its passage through the Oireachtas. I can assure the Deputy that no decisions have been taken as to who may be licensed as personal insolvency practitioners.
1266. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
if he will investigate the allegation of inaction on a case (details supplied) regarding an employment contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38835/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the matter referred to by the Deputy. I will contact the Deputy again when the report is to hand.
1267. Deputy Simon Harris
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
if all Gardaí have up to date Garda vetting in line with child protection guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38837/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I have asked the Garda Commissioner for a report on the matter raised by the Deputy and I will be in touch with him when this has been received.
1268. Deputy Simon Harris
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the number of Gardaí in the County Wicklow Garda district; if he will provide a breakdown of these Gardaí by rank and duties and by the station in which they are based; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38838/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
The Deputy will be aware that the Commissioner is responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, throughout the organisation and I have no direct function in the matter. This allocation of resources is constantly monitored in the context of crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place on a District, Divisional and Regional level to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public. For operational reasons, it is not the practice to list the specific duties of each member of the Garda Síochána in a Garda Division. More generally, Section 7 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 outlines the functions of the Garda Síochána.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that as of 31 July 2012, the personnel strength of Wicklow Garda Division, broken down by station and rank, is as set out in the table hereunder:District/Station Baltinglass District Baltinglass Blessington Carnew Donard Dunlavin Hollywood Shilleagh Tinahealy Bray Bray Enniskerry Greystones Newtownmountkennedy Wicklow Arklow Ashford Aughrim Avoca Rathdrum Roundwood Wicklow
1269. Deputy Simon Harris
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the date on which he expects to introduce the new capacity legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38839/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
The Government Legislation Programme, published today, indicates that the Mental Capacity Bill is expected to be published in this session.
1270. Deputy Dominic Hannigan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
his plans to put the 40% gender target for State boards outlined in the Programme for Government on a mandatory footing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38841/12]
1272. Deputy Dominic Hannigan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
if he will outline, in tabular form, both the number and the percentage of women and men on State boards under the aegis of his Department in each of the past ten years; if he will provide the most up-to-date figures available regarding the number and percentage of women and men on State boards under the aegis of his Department in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38861/12]
1283. Deputy Anne Ferris
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the steps he is taking to ensure that State boards have at least 40% of each gender, as provided for in the Programme for Government; the percentage at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39157/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1270, 1272 and 1283 together.
Since 2003, and in accordance with a Government decision, statistics have been collated on the representation of women on State Boards to monitor progress towards the Government target of at least 40 per cent representation of each gender on State Boards. This target was reiterated by the current Government in the Programme for Government for National Recovery 2011-2016.
The following table shows the percentage of women and men on the State Boards of the Department of Justice and Equality for each year from 2003 to 2011. The figures for 2012 are not yet available from my Department. I hope to bring a Memorandum to Government on women’s representation on State Boards in 2011. This will facilitate a discussion on the commitment in the Programme for Government and of the requirement to enhance the position of women on State Boards.
Department of Justice and Equality State Board Figures | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year End | Total* | Male | Male % | Female | Female % |
| 2011 | 291 | 185 | 63.6 | 106 | 36.4 |
| 2010 | 285 | 198 | 69.0 | 87 | 31.0 |
| 2009 | 199 | 139 | 70.0 | 60 | 30.0 |
| 2008 | 317 | 223 | 70.3 | 94 | 29.7 |
| 2007 | 297 | 202 | 68.0 | 95 | 32.0 |
| 2006 | 289 | 188 | 65.1 | 101 | 34.9 |
| 2005 | 307 | 192 | 63.0 | 115 | 37.0 |
| 2004 | 263 | 151 | 56.1 | 112 | 43.9 |
| 2003 | 276 | 167 | 61.0 | 109 | 39.0 |
1271. Deputy Dominic Hannigan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
his position on European Commissioner Viviane Reding’s draft proposal to apply a mandatory gender quota to boards of public companies in the EU; and if he will provide details of any formal communications of this position issued by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38842/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I understand that discussions are still ongoing at European Commission level in relation to a proposal by Commission Vice-President Reding to strengthen the role of Women on Corporate Boards. A policy orientation discussion was held during the Danish Presidency and this was attended by Minister of State Kathleen Lynch T.D. When the Commission's proposals are tabled, I will examine them and will consult with my colleague, Minister Richard Bruton, with regard to the formulation of an Irish policy position.
Question No. 1272 answered with question No. 1270.
1273. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
if he will provide a breakdown, in tabular form, of the number of Gardaí in each District and rank in County Donegal for the years 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38872/12]
1274. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the number and rank of positions within the Gardaí in each District in County Donegal that are not currently filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38873/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1273 and 1274 together.
The Deputy will be aware that the Commissioner is responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, throughout the organisation and I have no direct function in the matter. This allocation of resources is constantly monitored in the context of crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place on a District, Divisional and Regional level to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.
While regulations have previously provided for the numbers permitted in each rank, these have been upper ceilings for those numbers, rather than target strengths, and are set at a national rather than local level. It is therefore not generally practical to indicate precise levels of vacancies at the different ranks in specific locations.
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of each Garda District in the Donegal Garda Division, by rank, on 31 December 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and on 31 July 2012, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was as set out in the tables below. There are also 24 Garda Reserves and 30 Civilians attached to the Donegal Garda Division. These resources are augmented, when appropriate, by Gardaí from national units. 2008
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2009
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2010
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2011
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2012
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Question No. 1275 answered with question No. 1187.
1276. Deputy Anne Ferris
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
if the criminal law codification project will proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38917/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
The criminal law codification project envisages the replacement of the existing primary sources of criminal law, both statute and judicial interpretation, by a comprehensive code. The purpose of the code is to enhance the clarity and accessibility of the criminal law. It is not intended to provide for substantive law reform. A draft partial code was prepared by the Criminal Law Codification Advisory Committee and published on my Department's website on 23 June 2011.
1277. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the extent to which the application for naturalisation has been processed to date in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38971/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that an application for a certificate of naturalisation was received on behalf the person referred to by the Deputy, from their parent, in June, 2011.
1278. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the number of enquires that have been received by him in relation to the Immigrant Investor Programme and the Start up Entrepreneur Programme since their announcement in the Budget 2011; if he will make a statement on a matter (details supplied). [39137/12]
1279. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the number of successful applications that have been granted by him in relation to the Immigrant Investor Programme and Start Up Entrepreneur Programme since their inception; if he will make a statement on a matter (details supplied). [39138/12]
1280. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the number of applications have been received by the evaluation committee in your Department in relation to the Immigrant Investor Programme and the Start up entrepreneur programme since their inception: if he will make a statement on a matter (details supplied) [39139/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1278 to 1280, inclusive, together.
1281. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the current and or expected position in relation to residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39141/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
The person concerned is the subject of a Deportation Order signed on 26 February, 2008 following a comprehensive and thorough examination of her asylum claim, her application for subsidiary protection and a detailed examination of the representations she submitted for consideration under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended).
1282. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
if a person (details supplied) in County Waterford could be transferred to accommodation near Drogheda, County Louth where they attend school [39142/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
The family referred to in the details supplied applied for access to RIA accommodation during the summer holidays in 2012 and were facilitated with accommodation in Tramore, County Waterford from 17 July, 2012. As is standard practice, the accommodation centre manager in Tramore was available to link this child with a school in the Tramore area over the summer and this remains the case. If the person referred to in the details supplied consults with the centre manager, arrangements will be made for the child to be enrolled in a local school in Tramore.
Question No. 1283 answered with Question No. 1270.
1284. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
if he will be supporting at EU level the recent proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the European Council establishing minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime which includes road traffic victims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39164/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
Ireland opted in to the victims of crime directive and played a very positive role in the negotiation of the proposed directive, since its publication in May, 2011. I will be supporting the proposal when it comes before the JHA Council for final adoption. I expect that it will be on the Council agenda in October. I have instructed officials in my Department to begin preparatory work with a view to transposing the directive into Irish law, in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government.
1285. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
if he will report on the impact of the recent changes that were implemented to the Garda roster; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39169/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
The new rosters have been developed following detailed consultations between Garda management and the Garda representative associations under the Croke Park Agreement and have been in operation since 30 April 2012.
They are designed to maximise the availability of Gardaí at times of peak demand, while at the same time improving the work/life balance of members. The result is more Gardaí on duty at peak times, and the delivery of a more effective and efficient policing service.
1286. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
if a prisoner (details supplied) at present incarcerated in Northern Ireland for offences committed prior to the Good Friday Agreement would be entitled to the terms of the Good Friday Agreement and the Weston Park Agreement in relation to early release if they transferred to a prison here, subject to their being entitled to early realease if they remained in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39178/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
It is not possible based on the information available to indicate whether the person concerned would be eligible for a transfer to this jurisdiction under the terms of the Council of Europe Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons, or to be deemed a qualifying prisoner under Section 3(2) of the Criminal Justice (Release of Prisoners) Act, 1998. Any application for transfer under the Convention must be considered by both jurisdictions and only after the detailed exchange of information as required by the legislation.
1287. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
if a person (details supplied) in County Dublin will receive their Garda vetting as a matter of urgency to ensure they are able to take up the job they have been offered and so that he can stop claiming social welfare. [39220/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I am informed by the Garda authorities that it is not possible to check the status of the application referred to in the question in the absence of a date of birth. If the Deputy will provide the additional information, I will have further enquiries made in the matter.
1288. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the reason the marriage certificate supplied by a person (details supplied) in County Dublin is not sufficient to grant them permission to remain on the basis of marriage to an Irish citizen [39221/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the person concerned has not supplied an original Civil Marriage Certificate as requested by the Spouse of Irish National Unit. This request has been made twice in correspondence dated 2 March, 2012 and 20 April, 2012. The person in question has submitted a Church Marriage Certificate and has been informed that in order to make an application for permission to remain on the basis of marriage to an Irish National they must provide an original Civil Marriage Certificate.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
1289. Deputy Jerry Buttimer
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
if he has received a request to consider implementing a youth exchange visa programme between Ireland and Republic of China (Taiwan); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39232/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I wish to advise the Deputy that persons from the Republic of China (Taiwan) seeking to travel to the State are not required to be in possession of a visa. The visa requirement for Taiwan was lifted on 1 July 2009.
1290. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding Garda stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39248/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
The key objective in relation to the closures of Garda stations is the more effective deployment of Gardaí on operational duties. Critics of these closures are in effect arguing that we should not close even one single Garda station - currently there are 664 - despite the revolution that has taken place in transport, communications and technology across the country.
1291. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
if there are any grants available for community or residents groups to assist with installing CCTV; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39251/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
The Community-based CCTV Scheme was first launched in 2005 to provide financial assistance towards the capital costs of establishing a community CCTV system. To date, two major rounds of the Scheme have been advertised, in 2005/2006 and 2007, under which 45 substantive schemes were approved for funding.
1292. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
if he will reverse his decision to close Lisbrook Direct Provision centre for refugees in Galway City. [39260/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
The Reception and Integration Agency of my Department is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers in accordance with the Government policy of direct provision and dispersal. Lisbrook direct provision accommodation centre in Galway is part of RIA's portfolio of direct provision accommodation.
1293. Deputy Pat Deering
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the resources needed by the Garda Síochána and the security forces of this State to ensure that the type of funeral that took place in Donaghmede, Dublin last week which showed a public demonstration by the IRA of the illegal use of weapons does not occur again; the number of Gardaí that were involved in policing this event, the pre-planned surveillance, who made the decision not to intervene and for what reasons; the cost to the State of such an illegal act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39276/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I can assure the Deputy and the House that I am committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána is properly resourced to meet the threat posed by the so-called dissidents. We should be clear, of course, that these so-called 'dissident republicans' are no more than criminal terrorists using violence in pursuit of their own, often personal, ends.
1294. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
if he would support the submissions from the Irish League of Credit Union, F.L.A.C and the Professional Brokers Association on the LED for the Personal Insolvency Bill in as far as is practicable. [39289/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
The organisations mentioned by the Deputy are among a number of organisations who have made submissions in regard to the development of the Personal Insolvency Bill 2012.
1295. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
if he will review the case of a person (details supplied). [39290/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the matter referred to by the Deputy. I will contact the Deputy again when the report is to hand.
1296. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the reasons for the delay in the publication of the final report of the Inter-Departmental Committee investigating State involvement in the Magdalene Laundries; the reason he will not proceed with urgency to establish restorative justice to those who suffered in Magdalene Laundries and other institutions after 22 months of the IHRC recommendation and 15 months after the United Nations Committee Against Torture recommendation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39303/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
The Inter Departmental Committee was set up by Government to establish the facts of State involvement with Magdalen Laundries. It is independently chaired by Senator Martin McAleese and published its initial progress report in October last year three months after its establishment.
Question No. 1297 answered with Question No. 1165.
1298. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
if he will provide a list of the payments made by the State to private land owners in 2010 and 2011 to acquire land for use in the public capital programme. [40013/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
My Department made no payments to private land owners in 2010 and 2011 to acquire land for use in the public capital programme.
Question No. 1299 answered with Question No. 1176.
1300. Deputy Gerald Nash
asked the Minister for Justice and Equality
the number of appointments that have been made to positions available on the boards of semi-State companies and statutory agencies following public advertisement; if he will provide details of the names of persons who have been appointed under this initiative and the agencies on which they now sit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40037/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I have asked the relevant officials in my Department for the information sought in the Deputy's question. I will revert to the Deputy as soon as this information becomes available.
1301. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
asked the Minister for Defence
if a person who was imprisoned for dangerous driving causing death may apply for the Irish army. [37667/12]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter):
Defence Force Regulations stipulate that a person who has been convicted of a serious offence by a civil court will not be enlisted into the Defence Forces. I am advised by the Military Authorities that a conviction for dangerous driving causing death is considered to be a serious offence. Hence, a person duly convicted would be ineligible for recruitment to the Defence Forces.
1302. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Defence
if he will provide a list of all Labour Court recommendations in respect of the Defence Forces that have not been complied with in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37763/12]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter):
There are no Labour Court recommendations in respect of the Defence Forces that have not been complied with in full.
1303. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Defence
his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37865/12]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter):
Arising from the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure in 2011, I secured the agreement of the Government to maintain the strength of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) at a level of 9,500 serving personnel. While this represents a very significant commitment on the part of Government, at this strength level it was not possible to maintain the then organisational structure of the Defence Forces, which had been designed to support a serving strength of 11,500. As a result, I tasked the Secretary General of the Department of Defence and the Chief of Staff to conduct a detailed review of the organisation and structure of the Defence Forces and to bring forward proposals on an appropriate organisation for a Defence Forces of 9,500 serving personnel which could continue to deliver the services required by Government.
1304. Deputy Willie O'Dea
asked the Minister for Defence
if it is proposed to shut down the Reserve Defence Force entirely until some unspecified time in 2013. [38354/12]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter):
A Value for Money Review of the Reserve Defence Force is ongoing and the Steering Committee, established to oversee the VFM Review of the Reserve, met most recently on the 12 September. I understand that the Steering Committee are working towards completing the report by the end of this month.
1305. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Defence
if he will support the Irish Defence Veterans Association in 2012-2013. [39254/12]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter):
There is a wide range of veterans associations involving serving, retired and ex-Defence Forces personnel. These associations represent various interests at local, regional and national level, including regimental and comrades associations.
1306. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl
asked the Minister for Defence
the cost of patrolling bogs by the Air Corps to check if illegal cutting is occurring; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36979/12]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter):
In accordance with the roles assigned to them in the White Paper on Defence, the Air Corps are committed to providing support to the civil authorities including Government Agencies such as the National Parks & Wildlife Service, (NPWS). As part of the efforts to ensure Ireland’s compliance with the EU ban on turf cutting in Special Areas of Conservation, the NPWS submitted a request to the Department of Defence seeking the transport of NPWS personnel in Air Corps aircraft to monitor these areas.
1307. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Defence
the total cost to the Exchequer of the two Government jets since this Government came into office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36998/12]
1317. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Defence
if he will provide in tabular form a detailed breakdown of each journey undertaken by each of the two Government jets; the purpose of each trip; the members of the Government or other Ministers present, if any, since this Government came into office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37382/12]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1307 and 1317 together.
The Gulfstream IV and Learjet 45 aircraft are primarily used to provide the Ministerial Air Transport Service (MATS) and were specifically acquired for this purpose. From time to time these aircraft are also assigned a range of military and other taskings including Air Ambulance missions, humanitarian operations and support for Search and Rescue, Mountain Rescue and Pollution Control operations.
Details of the usage of these aircraft for MATS purposes from 9 March 2011 to 31 August 2012 are set out in the tabular statement below, and include details of the requesting Minister(s), dates of travel, mission route and Ministerial time on board. The purpose of each trip is a matter for the requesting Department and is not included in the statement. The details provided relate to requests from Government Ministers that have been approved by the Taoiseach.
The Department follows the normal practice in the aviation business of costing aircraft by reference to the cost per flying hour under each of two headings:
- The direct cost which includes costs which are additional to those associated with having the aircraft and which only arise when the aircraft is flown including maintenance, fuel and support services such as catering costs, cleaning services and airport handling charges.
- The total cost which is the direct cost plus the costs associated with having the aircraft, including depreciation and personnel costs.
Costs in 2011/12:
| . | Average Direct Cost Per Hour € | Average Total Cost Per Hour € |
|---|---|---|
Gulfstream | 3,270 | 3,790 |
Learjet | 1,940 | 4,200 |
GULFSTREAM IV (From 9 March 2011 to 31 August 2012) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Date | Return Date | Ministerial Time On Board (Minutes) | Route | Minister |
10/03/2011 | 12/03/2011 | 185 | Baldonnel - Brussels - Knock - Baldonnel | An Taoiseach |
15/03/2011 | 18/03/2011 | 825 | Baldonnel - Washington - Baldonnel | An Taoiseach / Tánaiste Foreign Affairs |
24/03/2011 | 25/03/2011 | 180 | Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel | An Taoiseach |
12/04/2011 | 12/04/2011 | 200 | Baldonnel - Luxembourg - Baldonnel | Tánaiste Foreign Affairs / Justice & Equality / MOS Foreign Affairs |
17/04/2011 | 18/04/2011 | 120 | Baldonnel - Northolt - Baldonnel | An Taoiseach |
04/05/2011 | 06/05/2011 | 810 | Baldonnel - Teteboro - White Plains - Teteboro - Knock - Baldonnel | An Taoiseach |
09/06/2011 | 10/06/2011 | 200 | Baldonnel - Luxembourg - Baldonnel | Justice & Equality |
19/06/2011 | 19/06/2011 | 100 | Baldonnel - Luxembourg - Baldonnel | Tánaiste Foreign Affairs |
21/06/2011 | 22/06/2011 | 300 | Baldonnel - Vienna - Baldonnel | Tánaiste Foreign Affairs |
20/06/2011 | 20/06/2011 | 120 | Baldonnel - Northolt - Stansted - Baldonnel | An Taoiseach / Communications, Energy & Natural Resources |
23/06/2011 | 24/06/2011 | 180 | Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel | An Taoiseach / MOS Taoiseach |
21/07/2011 | 21/07/2011 | 180 | Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel | An Taoiseach / MOS Taoiseach |
25/09/2011 | 26/09/2011 | 420 | Baldonnel - Algiers - Oran - Baldonnel | Agriculture, Marine & Food |
29/09/2011 | 30/09/2011 | 330 | Baldonnel - Warsaw - Baldonnel | An Taoiseach |
12/10/2011 | 13/10/2011 | 180 | Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel | An Taoiseach / Communications, Energy & Natural Resources |
22/10/2011 | 23/10/2011 | 180 | Baldonnel - Brussels - Dublin | An Taoiseach / MOS Taoiseach |
06/11/2011 | 07/11/2011 | 455 | Baldonnel - Moscow - Baldonnel | Tánaiste Foreign Affairs |
16/11/2011 | 16/11/2011 | 275 | Baldonnel - Berlin - Frankfurt - Baldonnel | An Taoiseach |
30/11/2011 | 30/11/2011 | 180 | Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel | Defence |
07/12/2011 | 07/12/2011 | 345 | Baldonnel - Vilnius - Baldonnel | Tánaiste Foreign Affairs |
09/12/2011 | 09/12/2011 | 90 | Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel | An Taoiseach / MOS Taoiseach |
12/01/2012 | 12/01/2012 | 120 | Baldonnel - Northolt - Baldonnel | An Taoiseach |
25/01/2012 | 27/01/2012 | 240 | Baldonnel - Zurich - Baldonnel | An Taoiseach |
30/01/2012 | 30/01/2012 | 180 | Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel | An Taoiseach / MOS Taoiseach |
08/02/2012 | 09/02/2012 | 790 | Baldonnel - Teteboro - Whiteplains - Teteboro - Dublin | An Taoiseach / Enterprise/Trade & Innovation |
15/02/2012 | 17/02/2012 | 835 | Baldonnel - Teteboro - White Plains - Teteboro - Boston - Baldonnel | An Taoiseach |
23/02/2012 | 24/02/2012 | 385 | Baldonnel - Berlin - Rome - Baldonnel | An Taoiseach |
29/02/2012 | 02/03/2012 | 180 | Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel | An Taoiseach / Finance / MOS Taoiseach |
15/03/2012 | 21/03/2012 | 1050 | Baldonnel - Chicago - Southbend - Whiteplains - Washington - Baldonnel | An Taoiseach |
12/03/2012 | 12/03/2012 | 120 | Baldonnel - Northolt - Baldonnel | An Taoiseach |
26/04/2012 | 27/04/2012 | 200 | Baldonnel - Luxembourg - Baldonnel | Agriculture, Marine & Food / Justice & Equality |
23/05/2012 | 24/05/2012 | 180 | Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel | An Taoiseach / Tánaiste (Foreign Affairs & Trade) |
11/06/2012 | 14/06/2012 | 840 | Baldonnel - Yerevan - Tbilisi - Batumi - Baku - Baldonnel | Tánaiste (Foreign Affairs & Trade) |
22/06/2012 | 22/06/2012 | 185 | Baldonnel - Edinburgh - Cork - Baldonnel | An Taoiseach / Communications, Energy & Natural Resources |
25/06/2012 | 25/06/2012 | 200 | Baldonnel - Luxembourg - Baldonnel | Tánaiste (Foreign Affairs & Trade) |
28/06/2012 | 29/06/2012 | 180 | Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel | An Taoiseach / Tánaiste (Foreign Affairs & Trade) / MOS Taoiseach |
09/07/2012 | 11/07/2012 | 680 | Baldonnel - Brussels - Larnaca - Baldonnel | Finance/Health |
17/07/2012 | 17/07/2012 | 210 | Baldonnel - Frankfurt - Baldonnel | Finance |
23/07/2012 | 24/07/2012 | 495 | Baldonnel - Berlin - Rome - Budapest - Baldonnel | Agriculture, Marine & Food |
27/07/2012 | 28/07/2012 | 120 | Baldonnel - Northolt - Baldonnel | An Taoiseach |
LEARJET 45 (From 9 March 2011 to 31 August 2012) | ||||
Date | Return Date | Ministerial Time On Board (Minutes) | Route | Minister |
13/03/2011 | 14/03/2011 | 230 | Baldonnel - Shannon - Brussels - Baldonnel | Finance / Environment, Heritage & Local Government |
21/03/2011 | 21/03/2011 | 180 | Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel | Finance / MOS Foreign Affairs |
07/04/2011 | 09/04/2011 | 330 | Baldonnel - Budapest - Baldonnel | Finance |
16/05/2011 | 17/05/2011 | 180 | Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel | Finance / MOS Taoiseach |
20/05/2011 | 20/05/2011 | 80 | Baldonnel - Cork - Baldonnel | An Taoiseach |
07/06/2011 | 07/06/2011 | 100 | Baldonnel - Luxembourg - Baldonnel | Agriculture, Marine & Food |
11/07/2011 | 12/07/2011 | 180 | Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel | Finance |
15/09/2011 | 17/09/2011 | 290 | Baldonnel - Wroclaw - Baldonnel | Finance |
22/09/2011 | 23/09/2011 | 360 | Baldonnel - Brussels - Wroclaw - Brussels - Baldonnel | Defence / Justice & Equality |
03/10/2011 | 04/10/2011 | 200 | Baldonnel - Luxembourg - Baldonnel | Finance |
21/10/2011 | 22/10/2011 | 180 | Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel | Finance |
26/10/2011 | 26/10/2011 | 180 | Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel | An Taoiseach / MOS Taoiseach |
07/11/2011 | 08/11/2011 | 180 | Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel | Finance |
24/11/2011 | 25/11/2011 | 280 | Baldonnel - Poznan - Baldonnel | Public Expenditure & Reform |
29/11/2011 | 30/11/2011 | 180 | Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel | Finance |
11/01/2012 | 12/01/2012 | 300 | Baldonnel - Vienna - Baldonnel | Tánaiste (Foreign Affairs) |
18/01/2012 | 18/01/2012 | 250 | Baldonnel - Berlin - Baldonnel | Finance |
23/01/2012 | 24/01/2012 | 250 | Baldonnel - Brussels - Frankfurt - Baldonnel | Finance |
26/01/2012 | 29/01/2012 | 725 | Baldonnel - Naples - Tel Aviiv - Naples - Baldonnel | Tánaiste (Foreign Affairs) |
09/02/2012 | 09/02/2012 | 180 | Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel | Finance |
20/02/2012 | 21/02/2012 | 180 | Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel | MOS Finance |
24/02/2012 | 24/02/2012 | 385 | Baldonnel - Tunis - Baldonnel | Tánaiste (Foreign Affairs) |
08/03/2012 | 09/03/2012 | 180 | Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel | Environment, Community & Local Government |
12/03/2012 | 13/03/2012 | 180 | Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel | Finance |
29/03/2012 | 30/03/2012 | 240 | Baldonnel - Copenhagen - Baldonnel | Finance |
23/04/2012 | 23/04/2012 | 200 | Baldonnel - Luxembourg - Baldonnel | Tánaiste (Foreign Affairs) |
01/05/2012 | 02/05/2012 | 180 | Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel | Finance |
06/05/2012 | 07/05/2012 | 330 | Baldonnel - Warsaw - Baldonnel | Finance |
14/05/2012 | 15/05/2012 | 180 | Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel | Finance |
21/06/2012 | 22/06/2012 | 200 | Baldonnel - Luxembourg - Baldonnel | Finance |
1308. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Defence
the number of agencies, authorities, boards, committee s, working groups, tribunals, council services, task forces, agencies or other quangos set up by his Department since February 2011; the number abolished since then; the extra cost of quangos which were established; the savings from the abolition of quangos; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37242/12]
1309. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Defence
the estimated cost of each quango in his Department; the amount expected to be saved from the mergers of quangos in his Department; the basis for this figure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37258/12]
1315. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Defence
the total number of board appointees he has made since he came to office; the names, salaries and expenses of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37354/12]
1339. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Defence
the number of State bodies that have been set up since 9 March 2011; the rationale behind these decisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39994/12]
1342. Deputy Gerald Nash
asked the Minister for Defence
the number of appointments that have been made to positions available on the boards of semi-State companies and statutory agencies following public advertisement; if he will provide details of the names of persons who have been appointed under this initiative and the agencies on which they now sit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40032/12]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1308, 1309, 1315, 1339 and 1342 together.
The State Boards under the aegis of the Department of Defence are the Civil Defence Board, the Army Pensions Board and the Board of Coiste an Asgard.
The budget allocation for these agencies for 2011 and 2012 is set out as follows:
| Year | Civil Defence Board | Army Pensions Board | Coiste an Asgard |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | €5.585m (Grant In Aid) | €103,000 | Nil |
| 2012 | €5.585m (Grant In Aid) | €103,000 | Nil |
| Nominating Bodies |
|---|---|
| Civil Defence Board Chairperson | |
| Mr. Brian Spain Director, Department of Defence | Nominated by Minister for Defence |
| Civil Defence Board Members | |
| Mr. Cathal Duffy Principal Officer, Department of Defence | Nominated by the Minister for Defence |
| Ms. Clare Tiernan Principal Officer, Department of Defence | Nominated by the Minister for Defence |
| Mr. Robert Mooney Principal Officer, Department of Defence | Nominated by the Minister for Defence |
| Mr. Bill Smith Director General, Civil Defence Board | Appointed as Director General, Civil Defence Board |
| Mr. Ned Gleeson County Manager, Limerick City Council | Nominated by City & County Managers Association |
| Mr. Keith Leonard Assistant Fire Advisor | Nominated by the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government |
| Dr. Barbara Rafferty | Nominated by Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland |
| Ms. Becci Cantrell | Nominated by the Environmental Protection Agency |
| Ms. Veronica Forde Assistant Civil Defence Officer | Nominated by the Civil Defence Officers Association |
| Lt. Col. Tony Kelly SSO, Defence Forces | Nominated by the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces |
| Chief Superintendent Orla Mc Partlin An Garda Síochána | Nominated by the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána |
| Mr. Fergal Conroy | Elected volunteer member of Civil Defence |
| Ms. Eileen Joyce | Elected staff member of the Civil Defence Board |
1310. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Defence
the number of new jobs created by his Department as a result of the jobs initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37274/12]
1311. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Defence
the number of new jobs created by his Department as a result of the action plan on jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37290/12]
1312. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Defence
the number of new jobs created by his Department as a result of Budget 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37306/12]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1310, 1311 and 1312 together.
1313. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Defence
the total amount spent on taxis by his Department since February 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37322/12]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter):
The total amount spent on taxis by my Department since February 2011 to August 2012 is €15,380.
1314. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Defence
the number of press officers in his Department; the number of press officers in each agency under his auspices; the total cost of press officers in his Department and in agencies under his auspices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37338/12]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter):
The number of Press Officers in my Department and the Defence Forces is set out as follows.
| Grade | Salary Scale | |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Defence Press Officer | Assistant Principal Officer x 1 | €61,966 - €76,768 |
| Defence Forces Press Officers | Commandant x 1 | €54,466 - €68,190 |
| Captain x 2 | €45,077 - €57,237 |
Question No. 1315 answered with Question No. 1308.
1316. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Defence
if he will detail, in tabular form, the total photography costs for his Department since coming to office inclusive of costs incurred from use of the Ministerial allowance; the occasions for which photographers were booked; the photographers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion that a photographers was used; if there is a policy regarding the booking of photographers within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37370/12]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter):
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table:
| Date | Occasion | Company | Cost | Breakdown of Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25/3/2011 | Ministerial File Portrait Package | Maxwell Photography | €393.25 (Including VAT) | Portrait Package Set up and head shot Online Viewing gallery 1 High resolution image |
| 9/11/2011 | Launch of Winter Ready Campaign | Maxwell Photography | €849.42 (Including VAT) | Booking Fee Taking and processing Digital Contact Sheet Images sent to media Email to merrionstr.ie Additional hour on assignment |
1318. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Defence
if he will detail in tabular form, the total cost of providing entertainment for his Department since coming to office inclusive of costs incurred from use of the Ministerial allowance; the occasions for which entertainment was provided; the entertainers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion; if there is a policy regarding the booking of entertainers within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37442/12]
1319. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Defence
the amount spent on food and drink by his Department; if he will provide a breakdown of what this involved; the occasions on which food and drink was provided; those present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37458/12]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1318 and 1319 together.
1320. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Defence
the amount spent on hair and make-up by his Department since he came to office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37474/12]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter):
My Department has not incurred any expenditure on hair and make-up since I took office in March 2011.
1321. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Defence
the number and names of all special advisers, special press advisers, or any other type of Ministerial adviser in his Department; the name of the Minister / Minister of State to whom he reports; the salary of each advisor now; the salary of each advisor at the time they were appointed; if any salary increase was asked for; if this was granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37490/12]
1326. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Defence
the political activities of each special adviser, special press advisers, or any other type of Ministerial adviser in his Department; if any of them were members of a political party; if so the parties to which they belonged; if any of them are or have been elected local authority members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37571/12]
1341. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Defence
the names of special advisors for whom salary increases have been requested; the amount requested; the details of those granted increases and the amount by which they were increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40018/12]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1321, 1326 and 1341 together.
1322. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Defence
if he will provide detail in tabular form, the names of all external public relations and consultancy persons and organisations used by his Department for the years 2011 and 2010; the amount paid to each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37506/12]
1324. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Defence
if he will detail in tabular form, the amount paid on external public relations and communications consultants since February 2011; the reason for the payment; the name of each organisation used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37539/12]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1322 and 1324 together.
1323. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Defence
the gross annual salary costs for his private and constituency offices at present; the same figures for this time last year; and the same figures for any Ministers of State in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37523/12]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter):
The information requested by the Deputy with regard to the Private Office of the Minister for Defence is as follows:
| Grade/Position | No. | Current Salary Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Higher Executive Officer | 1 | Higher Executive Officer standard scale €43,816 - €55,415 (includes long service increments) |
| Executive Officer | 1 | Executive Officer standard scale €29,024 - €45,616 (includes long service increments) |
| Staff Officer | 1 | Staff Officer €33,070 - €43,906 (includes long service increments) |
| Clerical Officer | 1 | Clerical Officer PPC scale €23,177 - €37,341 (includes long service increments) |
| Grade/Position | No. | Current Salary Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Assistant(Non-established) | 1 | Personal Assistant Scale €43,715 - €56,060 (includes long service increments) |
Question No. 1324 answered with Question No. 1322.
1325. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Defence
if he will detail in tabular form, the amount paid to consultants since February 2011; the name of each organisation used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37555/12]
1318. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Defence
if he will detail in tabular form, the total cost of providing entertainment for his Department since coming to office inclusive of costs incurred from use of the Ministerial allowance; the occasions for which entertainment was provided; the entertainers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion; if there is a policy regarding the booking of entertainers within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37442/12]
1319. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Defence
the amount spent on food and drink by his Department; if he will provide a breakdown of what this involved; the occasions on which food and drink was provided; those present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37458/12]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1318 and 1319 together.
1320. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Defence
the amount spent on hair and make-up by his Department since he came to office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37474/12]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter):
My Department has not incurred any expenditure on hair and make-up since I took office in March 2011.
1321. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Defence
the number and names of all special advisers, special press advisers, or any other type of Ministerial adviser in his Department; the name of the Minister / Minister of State to whom he reports; the salary of each advisor now; the salary of each advisor at the time they were appointed; if any salary increase was asked for; if this was granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37490/12]
1326. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Defence
the political activities of each special adviser, special press advisers, or any other type of Ministerial adviser in his Department; if any of them were members of a political party; if so the parties to which they belonged; if any of them are or have been elected local authority members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37571/12]
1341. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Defence
the names of special advisors for whom salary increases have been requested; the amount requested; the details of those granted increases and the amount by which they were increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40018/12]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1321, 1326 and 1341 together.
1322. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Defence
if he will provide detail in tabular form, the names of all external public relations and consultancy persons and organisations used by his Department for the years 2011 and 2010; the amount paid to each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37506/12]
1324. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Defence
if he will detail in tabular form, the amount paid on external public relations and communications consultants since February 2011; the reason for the payment; the name of each organisation used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37539/12]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1322 and 1324 together.
1323. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Defence
the gross annual salary costs for his private and constituency offices at present; the same figures for this time last year; and the same figures for any Ministers of State in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37523/12]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter):
Question No. 1324 answered with Question No. 1322.
1325. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Defence
if he will detail in tabular form, the amount paid to consultants since February 2011; the name of each organisation used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37555/12]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter):
Question No. 1326 answered with Question No. 1321.
1327. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Defence
the amount spent by his Department on drivers and Ministerial transport since February 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37587/12]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter):
In accordance with the Government Decision of 15 March 2011, I retain a State car and Garda drivers in my capacity as the Minister for Justice and Equality. The cost of this service is funded from the Vote for an Garda Síochána. Following on from that Government decision, the Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Defence, Paul Kehoe T.D., has been assigned two civilian drivers. Any mileage and car related expenses due to Minister Kehoe are met by the Department of the Taoiseach. The costs associated with the drivers are met by my Department and amounted to €132,384.72 for the period 1 May 2011 to 31 August 2012.
1328. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Defence
the total amount spent since February 2011 on external reports commissioned by his Department, including payments from Ministerial allowances, details of the consultants employed and costs of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37619/12]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter):
Neither I nor my Department have commissioned any external reports since February 2011.
1329. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien
asked the Minister for Defence
in view of recent closures of military barracks across the State his plans in the context of the policy of reconfiguring the Defence Forces, for the barracks in the Curragh, County Kildare; if he will provide an indication that current employment levels and pay rates for those attached to the Curragh Barracks will be maintained. [37681/12]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter):
While the reorganisation of the Permanent Defence Force means that units will be moved among existing locations, it maintains, as far as possible, the existing organisational strengths within the current locations. Prior to the announcement of the reorganisation, the Defence Forces Training Centre, including DFHQ and Special Establishments which are attached to the Curragh Barracks, had a strength of 1,417 Permanent Defence Force personnel. The proposed establishment post the implementation of the reorganisation will be 1,371. Rates of pay will not be affected by the reorganisation of the Defence Forces.
1330. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Defence
if he will supply a list of all Labour Court recommendations that have been issued in respect of his Department and organisations under his aegis that have not been complied with in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37750/12]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter):
There are no Labour Court recommendations in respect of my Department and its agencies that have not been complied with in full.
1331. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Defence
the position regarding recruiting persons with a disability; the number of persons currently employed in his Department; the number of persons with a disability that have been employed since 1 January 2011 to date in 2012 [37834/12]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter):
Recruitment to my Department is carried out by the Public Appointments Service having regard to the required qualifications and competencies that best match the needs of the post. The Civil Service is an equal opportunities employer. I understand that all recruitment campaigns are conducted in strict compliance with the Codes of Practice set out by the Commission for Public Service Appointments. Codes include the Code of Practice governing the External and Internal Appointments of Persons with Disabilities to Positions in the Irish Civil Service & Certain Public Bodies. The number of people currently employed in my Department is 356. My Department has not undertaken any external recruitment in the period since 1 January 2011. Based on the most recent returns, the percentage of employees of my Department with a disability as defined in the Disability Act 2005 is 4%.
1332. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Defence
the amount of money spent on an annual basis on education and training of staff in 2011 and to date in 2012; the number of staff that availed of each course; if he will provide a list of the courses staff undertook and the cost of each course per person. [38482/12]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter):
1333. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
asked the Minister for Defence
if he will give an assurance that the ongoing review of the Defence Forces will not result in the closure of the Carndonagh Reserve Defence Force outpost, County Donegal in view of the fact that this serves one of the most geographically dispersed units in the State. [38815/12]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter):
A Value for Money Review (VFM) of the Reserve Defence Force is ongoing and the recommendations arising from this review will inform future plans for the Reserve. These recommendations must ensure that RDF organisational structures dovetail with revised PDF structures and have regard to the reduced availability of full time PDF support personnel. The Steering Committee, established to oversee the VFM Review of the Reserve, met most recently on 12 September. I understand that the Steering Committee are working towards completing the report by the end of this month. No decisions have been made regarding the future development of the Reserve pending my receipt and consideration of the Value for Money report.
1334. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
asked the Minister for Defence
if he will publish the value for money report on the Reserve Defence Force on 14 September 2012 in order for managerial appointments to be provided from the Permanent Defence Forces. [38816/12]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter):
A Value for Money Review of the Reserve Defence Force is ongoing and the Steering Committee, established to oversee the VFM Review of the Reserve, met most recently on 12 September. I understand that the Steering Committee are working towards completing the report by the end of this month. No decisions have been made regarding the future development of the Reserve pending my receipt and consideration of the Value for Money report. The report will subsequently be published on the Department’s website in line with the normal VFM process.
1335. Deputy Dominic Hannigan
asked the Minister for Defence
if he will outline, in tabular form, both the number and the percentage of women and men on State boards under the aegis of his Department in each of the past ten years; if he will provide the most up-to-date figures available regarding the number and percentage of women and men on State boards under the aegis of his Department in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38854/12]
1337. Deputy Anne Ferris
asked the Minister for Defence
the steps he is taking to ensure that State boards have at least 40% of each gender, as provided for in the Programme for Government; the percentage at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39150/12]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter):
1336. Deputy Michael McGrath
asked the Minister for Defence
the position regarding the recruitment of persons to the army and the army reserves; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38887/12]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter):
The Government has decided to accept my recommendation that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force will be maintained at 9,500. I believe that this is the optimum strength required to fulfil all roles currently assigned by Government. The Military Authorities have advised that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 31 August 2012, the latest date for which details are available, was 8,838 comprising 7,152 Army, 753 Air Corps and 933 Naval Service.
1338. Deputy Pat Deering
asked the Minister for Defence
the functions and areas that are covered by the new Air Ambulance Service that is operating from Baldonnel Roger Casement Aerodrome; his plans to extend this service; if he will confirm that this service is also available for emergency situations that may arise in Dublin City Centre and particularly in Dublin West; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39277/12]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter):
A twelve-month pilot Emergency Aeromedical Support (EAS) service was established by agreement between my Department and the Department of Health in support of the Health Service Executive National Ambulance Service. The purpose of the pilot is to assess the level and type, if any, of dedicated EAS needed to support the National Ambulance Service in the west of Ireland for certain types of patient, particularly in light of the requirements of the HSE Clinical Care Programmes such as Acute Coronary Syndrome and Stroke. The service commenced on 4 June 2012 and it is operated by the Air Corps out of Custume Barracks, Athlone. A full evaluation of the EAS service will be undertaken by the stakeholders three months prior to the end of the pilot. There are no plans at present to extend this service.
: Question No. 1339 answered with Question No. 1308.
1340. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Defence
if he will provide a list of the payments made by the State to private land owners in 2010 and 2011 to acquire land for use in the public capital programme. [40007/12]
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter):
No land has been acquired by my Department for use in the Capital Programme in the years in question.
: Question No. 1341 answered with Question No. 1321.
Question No. 1342 answered with Question No. 1308.
1343. Deputy Micheál Martin
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
his plans to meet with the farming organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36947/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
Since my appointment as Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, I have met the farming organisations formally and informally on a regular basis. I meet regularly with the Presidents and Chief Executives and from time to time with the various Sectoral Committee’s, as well as attending a broad range of Agri-Food events around the country.
1344. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
if it is true that landowners who allow noxious weeds such as ragwort to grow on their holdings are liable to penalty; the reason the same standard does not appear to apply to the National Roads Authority or local authorities who control the perimeter of the country's roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38062/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
My Department actively seeks to enforce the provisions of the Noxious Weeds Act 1936 by engaging with all County Councils, Local Authorities and the National Roads Authority (NRA) to ensure a consistent programme of treatment and disposal of such weeds on an ongoing basis. In this regard, all County Councils, Local Authorities and the National Roads Authority were written to in March and April of this year emphasising their statutory obligations and the importance of implementing measures for the treatment and safe disposal of ragwort .
1345. Deputy Tom Barry
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
in view of the fact that the net expenditure in the agricultural budget for 2012 is set at €774million current and €168million capital, reductions, respectively, of 7.5% and 16.8% on 2011 figures, the proportion of this expenditure that comprises EU finding; further in view of the fact that it is central to any consideration of expenditure caps that agriculture expenditure in this country involves a large contribution from Europe, if the cap on expenditure in agriculture will reflect this in view of the need for a credible environmental scheme for farming here and the need to be able to fund this given that 1,000 farmers are coming off rural-environmental protection scheme in County Cork this year and approximately 3,000 will leave the scheme in 2013 while agri-environmental option scheme is not attracting farmers, and those who are participating are still awaiting payments. [36967/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
The 2012 gross Vote for my Department is €1,338.8m. Of this, €847.5m relates to expenditure on schemes and services that are fully funded by the Exchequer and €491.3m relates to expenditure which is eligible for EU co-funding. In addition to the Voted funds, my Department will undertake further expenditure this year amounting to about €1,284m in payments which are 100% funded by the EU. These payments relate mostly to the Single Payment Scheme.
1346. Deputy Tom Barry
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the numbers of participants in the rural environmental schemes 1, 2, 3 & 4 and agricultural environmental options scheme for the years 2007 to 2012; and if he will clarify the amount of funds, in total, that was paid out for each of the years 2007 to 2012 under REPS 1, 2, 3 & 4 and AEOS. [36968/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
All REPS 1 participants had completed their contracts before 2007. The table below sets out the number of participants in REPS 2, 3 and 4 and the amounts paid in the period 2007 to 2012.
: *Expenditure to end August 2012.
1347. Deputy Pat Breen
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
further to Parliamentary Question Number 528 of 12 June 2012, when payment will issue to persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36969/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
The reply to the Parliamentary Question on 12th June 2012 indicated that the Forest Service was examining this file in line with its control checks. This examination has been completed but it showed that there has been an overpayment on the file to all the applicants who are party to this contract. The overpayment is as a result of the Forest Service determining that, instead of the 107.78 hectares originally claimed, payment was due only on 101.6 hectares. An overpayment was therefore made in respect of 6.18 hectares over and above the payable area determined by the Forest Service. On 4th September 2012, all the applicants were informed of the details of the overpayment and of the exact amount consequently owed by each of them to the Department. They were also informed that no further payments will issue in respect of this contract until the matter has been resolved to the satisfaction of the Forest Service.
1348. Deputy Brendan Griffin
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
if a decision has been made on an application for turbary rights in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36970/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
The person named in the details has made an application to my Department for afforestation grants. Approval for grant aid has been refused under the Forestry Environmental Protection Scheme as insufficient land has been planted to qualify for aid under the terms of the scheme. A decision has yet to be made regarding payment of afforestation grants for the area already planted as an on the ground inspection is necessary to clarify certain issues. The inspection will be made as soon as possible. A Solicitor in my Department is in ongoing contact with a Solicitor for the person named.
1349. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the position regarding a fine in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36971/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
The Agriculture Appeals Office received an appeal from the person named on 28th May 2012. The appeal is currently under consideration by an Appeals Officer and pending the availability of all parties concerned, arrangements will be made in the near future for an oral hearing in the case.
1350. Deputy Seamus Kirk
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
if he will outline the timescale for the implementation of new food information regulations and the implications for the agri-food sector. [36972/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
The Minister for Health has overall responsibility for the general food labelling legislation and the new EU food information regulations were adopted by the Council of Health Ministers. The Food Information for the Consumer Regulation (1169/2011/ EC) extended explicit compulsory origin labelling requirements to meats other than beef, with the detailed rules to be adopted in implementing acts by 13th December 2013, following an impact assessment by the Commission. The Regulation also adopts rules on compulsory labelling where the origin or place of provenance of a food is given and where it is not the same as its primary ingredient. In so far as meat as an ingredient is concerned, these rules are subject to the adoption of implementing acts, which must themselves take account of an impact assessment to be carried out by the Commission and reported to the European Parliament and the Council no later than 13th December 2013. It is not expected that any subsequent implementing legislation will be effective until 2014.
1351. Deputy Arthur Spring
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
his plans to ensure that small and medium farmers of moderate incomes will be protected in the upcoming December budget given the social importance of the agriculture sector to rural Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36974/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
The 2013 Estimate for my Department will be considered within the context of the gross expenditure ceilings that were allocated to all Departments for the period 2012 -2014 under the Government’s Medium Term Expenditure Framework. The Government decision in relation to the expenditure ceilings was taken in order to strike a balance between needs and priorities on a multi-annual basis, to meet the requirements of the overall fiscal commitments which are firmly focused on returning the public finances to a sustainable path and to reduce the General Government Deficit by end 2015.
1352. Deputy Arthur Spring
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
if he envisages a need to further expand the nation's production of crops for export purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36975/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
The maintenance of an efficient and viable cereals sector in Ireland is clearly very important to the well being of the agri-food industry. Indigenous production of cereals is of course, an important part of primary agriculture production. In addition to generating an income for our tillage farmers, the cereals sector is a key source of grain for the milling and malting industry and feeding stuffs for the livestock sector. Annual cereals production in Ireland has fluctuated around 2 million tonnes in recent years and it is desirable to try and sustain this level of production in order to avoid over dependence on imported cereals. According to the CSO Cereals Supply Balance sheet Ireland had 74% self-sufficiency in cereals in 2010/2011. Imports of cereals in that period amounted to 938,000 tonnes, down 14% or 155,000 tonnes on the previous year.
1353. Deputy Arthur Spring
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
if a scheme is being devised to replace agri-environment option scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36976/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
I am aware of the importance of agri environment payments to the agriculture sector and am actively considering the possibility of re-opening the Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS) to allow for the submission of new applications. I am examining the situation against the background of the strict budgetary constraints which are in place and the difficult choices which must be made in managing limited resources and competing demands. I will make an announcement as soon as I have reached a decision on the matter.
1354. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the number of agencies, authorities, boards, committees, working groups, tribunals, council services, task forces, agencies or other quangos set up by his Department since February 2011; the number abolished since then; the extra cost of quangos which were established; the savings from the abolition of quangos; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37238/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
My Department has neither established nor abolished any State agencies, authorities, boards, committees, working groups, tribunals, council services, task forces, agencies or other quangos since February 2011 apart from the Beef Policy 2020 Activation Group which was established in February 2011 and then dissolved in June 2011 following the presentation of its report to me.
1355. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the estimated cost of each quango in his Department; the amount expected to be saved from the mergers of quangos in his Department; the basis for this figure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37254/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
The most recent figures available for the annual cost of the State Bodies under the aegis of my Department which receive exchequer funding are outlined below.
Body | Total amount of Central Funding for 2011 |
|---|---|
Aquaculture Licensing Appeals Board (ALAB) | €300,000 |
Bord Bia (Irish Food Board) | €34.3m |
Bord Iascaigh Mhara | €16.7m |
Bord na gCon | €11.5m |
Horse Racing Ireland | €45.8m |
Marine Institute | €24.2m |
Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) | €10.2m |
Teagasc | €132.2m |
1356. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the number of new jobs created by his Department as a result of the jobs initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37270/12]
1357. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the number of new jobs created by his Department as a result of the action plan on jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37286/12]
1358. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the number of new jobs created by his Department as a result of Budget 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37302/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1356 to 1358, inclusive, together.
1359. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the total amount spent on taxis by his Department since February 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37318/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
The total amount spent on taxis by my Department since February 2011 is €69,251.74. My Department only uses taxis where the use of other public transport is not possible for reasons of practicality.
1360. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the number of press officers in his Department; the number of press officers in each agency under his auspices; the total cost of press officers in his Department and in agencies under his auspices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37334/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
1361. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the total number of board appointees he has made since he came to office; the names, salaries and expenses of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37350/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
1362. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
if he will detail, in tabular form, the total photography costs for his Department since coming to office inclusive of costs incurred from use of the Ministerial allowance; the occasions for which photographers were booked; the photographers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion that a photographers was used; if there is a policy regarding the booking of photographers within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37366/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
1363. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
if he will detail in tabular form, the total cost of providing entertainment for his Department since coming to office inclusive of costs incurred from use of the Ministerial allowance; the occasions for which entertainment was provided; the entertainers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion; if there is a policy regarding the booking of entertainers within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37438/12]
1364. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the amount spent on food and drink by his Department; if he will provide a breakdown of what this involved; the occasions on which food and drink was provided; those present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37454/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
1365. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the amount spent on hair and make-up by his Department since he came to office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37470/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
My Department has not spent any money on hair and make-up since I took office.
1366. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the number and names of all special advisers, special press advisers, or any other type of Ministerial adviser in his Department; the name of the Minister / Minister of State to whom he reports; the salary of each advisor now; the salary of each advisor at the time they were appointed; if any salary increase was asked for; if this was granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37486/12]
1439. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the names of special advisors for whom salary increases have been requested; the amount requested; the details of those granted increases and the amount by which they were increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40015/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
1367. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
if he will provide details in tabular form, the names of all external public relations and consultancy persons and organisations used by his Department for the years 2011 and 2010; the amount paid to each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37502/12]
1369. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
if he will detail in tabular form, the amount paid on external public relations and communications consultants since February 2011; the reason for the payment; the name of each organisation used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37535/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1367 and 1369 together.
1368. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the gross annual salary costs for his private and constituency offices at present; the same figures for this time last year; and the same figures for any Ministers of State in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37519/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
Question No. 1369 answered with Question No. 1367.
1370. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
if he will detail in tabular form, the amount paid to consultants since February 2011; the name of each organisation used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37551/12]
1373. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the total amount spent since February 2011 on external reports commissioned by his Department, including payments from Ministerial allowances, details of the consultants employed and costs of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37615/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
1371. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the political activities of each special adviser, special press advisers, or any other type of Ministerial adviser in his Department; if any of them were members of a political party; if so the parties to which they belonged; if any of them are or have been elected local authority members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37567/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
Section 5.4 of the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour excludes staff holding temporary un- established positions and whose tenure is coterminous with that of the relevant Minister from the restrictions on engaging in political activity as set out in section 5 of the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour.
1372. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the amount spent by his Department on drivers and Ministerial transport since February 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37583/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
The total amount spent by my Department on drivers and ministerial transport in respect of the Minister of State and myself from February 2011 to date is €338,425.98. This figure includes the salary and subsistence costs of the drivers, mileage expenses, airfares and taxi/limousine hire when on official business.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1367 and 1369 together.
1368. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the gross annual salary costs for his private and constituency offices at present; the same figures for this time last year; and the same figures for any Ministers of State in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37519/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
I have detailed below the current gross salary costs for my private and constituency offices and those of the Minister of State in my Department, and the same figures for this time in 2011 as requested.
Minister Coveney
| Office | Current Salary | Salary at 18/09/2011 |
|---|---|---|
| Private | €465,317 | €353,563 |
| Constituency | €157,701 | €157,520 |
| Office | Current Salary | Salary at 18/09/2011 |
|---|---|---|
| Private | €215,744 | €214,182 |
| Constituency | €124,104 | €119,946 |
Question No. 1369 answered with Question No. 1367.
1370. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
if he will detail in tabular form, the amount paid to consultants since February 2011; the name of each organisation used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37551/12]
1373. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the total amount spent since February 2011 on external reports commissioned by his Department, including payments from Ministerial allowances, details of the consultants employed and costs of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37615/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1370 and 1373 together.
My Department uses private contractors, consultants and agencies to provide certain services when such proves to be more cost effective and Department staff are not available. This can include services such as specialised laboratory services, computer services, legal advice or independent auditing services. These consultancy services are procured using either the national procurement guidelines or under the EU procurement directives. It should be borne in mind that several of these consultancies arise from obligations placed upon my Department under EU Regulations such as providing independent certification of the Department’s EAGF/EAFRD annual accounts and compliance.
The table below includes the figures for the year 2011 and up to 30 June 2012. However, the figures for 2012 are not finalised and may change, subsequently, as further invoices are processed.
Please see details on table below.
| CONSULTANT/CONSULTANCY COMPANY | NATURE OF WORK | EXPENDITURE IN 2011 € |
|---|---|---|
| Accenture | 1) An analysis of an internal review of procurement, 2) an examination of the opportunities and capacity for further shared services between the Department and its non-commercial state agencies, and 3) a review of the Department’s role in regulating meat plants. | work done on a pro-bono basis. |
| KPMG | An examination of the administration of the Single Payment Scheme. | work done on a pro-bono basis. |
| Deloitte | To examine the recommendations in the Report of the Review Group on State Assets and Liabilities as applicable to this Department, to value the assets referred to and to make a series of recommendations. | work done on a pro-bono basis |
| Dave Ring | Expenditure Reviews | 1,800.00 |
| Brendan Riordan | Training on estimation of net flow of funds for agri-food sector | 6,000.00 |
| ESPION | Quarterly independent assessments of the Department’s IT security measures as required for EU accreditation purposes and Biannual independent security review of the Department's IT infrastructure. | 13,445.53 |
| ESPION | Independent Web Application testing | 3,517.47 |
| Mazars | Provision of IT audit expertise to the Internal Audit Unit | 56,634 |
| Deloitte | Certifying Body, providing independent certification of the Department’s EAGF/EAFRD annual accounts and compliance with EU accreditation criteria, as required under EU Council Regulation 1290/05. | 509,829.79 |
| AON McDonagh Boland | AON were retained to review the insurance policies of Italian companies who had submitted claims for contaminated pigmeat which was destroyed in a fire in a coldstore. | 8,021 |
| Stiofán Nutty Consultant | Report on the Development of Ireland’s Organic Industry and the potential establishment of an Organic Trade Board | 29,040 |
| Fitzpatrick and Associates | Conduct of interim Evaluation of the seafood Development Operational Programme 2007-2013. Evaluation mandated by Regulation 1198/2006(European Fisheries Fund) | 39,325.00 |
| Mott MacDonald Consulting Engineers, 5 Eastgate Avenue, Little Island, Cork | Castletownbere Harbour Development Project Fees | 67,696.54 |
| Mott MacDonald Consulting Engineers, 5 Eastgate Avenue, Little Island, Cork | Castletownbere Harbour Development – Site Works supervision | 122,483.09 |
| Ciaran Fahy, Consulting Engineer, | Castletownbere Harbour Development – Contract conciliation fees | 25,489.26 |
| RPS Consulting Engineers Ltd, Innishmore, Ballincollig Co. Cork | Environmental Investigation and Remediation Works at Syncrolift Boatyards at Howth, Dunmore East, Castletownbere and Killybegs FHC's | 103,710.51 |
| Malachy Walsh & Partners Park House, Bessboro Road, Blackrock, Cork | Castletownbere Navigation Beacons | 29,013.26 |
| CEI Collins Engineers, Riverview Business Park, Nangor Road Dublin 12 | Castletownbere underwater Inspection of Syncrolift and Dinish Bridge | 10,823.45 |
| Mott MacDonald | Consulting Engineers for Rossaveel Hbr Development | 74,851 |
| RPS Consulting Engineers | Engineering Services in relation to Howth and Killybegs Harbour Pier Inspections | 41,624 |
| White Young Green Consulting Engineers | Engineering Services in relation to Electrical Upgrading at Howth Harbour | 72,408 |
| Corrosion Prevention Ltd | Engineering Design services in relation to cathodic protection at Greencastle Harbour Development | 8,288 |
| RPS Consulting Engineers, Elmwood House, 74 Boucher Road, Belfast BT12 6RZ | Dunmore East FHC, Dredging Feasibility Report | 12,625.72 |
| RPS Consulting Engineers, Elmwood House, 74 Boucher Road, Belfast BT12 6RZ | Design & tendering for the Dunmore East FHC – Repairs to East Pier Phase II, Upgrading Slipway & Access to West Wharf | 11,997.63 |
| Malone O’Regan, St. Catherine’s House, Catherine Street, Waterford | Dunmore East FHC New Pontoon - Design Tender & Admin. Construction | 16,819.00 |
| Deltares, Princetonlaan 6, Utrecht, The Netherlands | North Harbour, Cape Clear, Bull’s Nose Design: – Wave / Hydraulic Modelling | 47,855.50 |
| Hydraulics & Maritime Research Centre, University College Cork | North Harbour, Cape Clear - Bull’s Nose Design, Calculation of Wave Transmission past a proposed new Storm Gate | 16,970.25 |
| Malone O’Regan, St. Catherine’s House, Catherine Street, Waterford | North Harbour, Cape Clear - Bull’s Nose Design, Design & tender documents | 4,114.00 |
| Drima Marketing Ltd | Collation, analysis and communication of national wood harvest and trade data on behalf of DAFM, and transmission of data to Eurostat, FAO, the international Energy Agency and other bodies | 30,904.64 |
| Dr. Michael Carey | Technical Report | 3,388.46 |
| Danish Forestry Extension | Wood Energy advisory service and production of publications on wood energy | 19,911.71 |
| Gordon Knaggs & Associates | Wood Product specification and advisory service | 4,572.40 |
| Henry Phillips | Professional advice and analysis in relation to national forest policy review | 9,195.99 |
| DTZ Sherry Fitzgerald | Property Valuations | 2,341.35 |
| Frank V Murphy & Co Ltd | Property Valuations | 5,082.00 |
| Society of Chartered Surveyors | Property Valuations | 325.00 |
| Elliott & Fitzgerald | Property Valuations | 1,210.00 |
| Devere White & Smyth | Property Valuations | 2,117.50 |
| W K Nowlan & Associates | Property Valuations | 2,117.50 |
| Lisney | Property Valuations | 11,495.00 |
| Briggs Environmental Services | Oil Spill Contingency Plans | 4,423.76 |
| UCD | Evaluation of the EU School Fruit Scheme/Food Dudes as per Commission Regulation 288/2009 | 4,500.00 |
| Michael Dowling | Chair of Beef 2020 Activations Group | 10,000.00 |
| Purser Tarleton Russell Ltd | Maintenance of GROWFOR software, hosting of workshops & associated queries | 5,249.38 |
| Drima Marketing | 2010 Report from Ireland to the UNECE Timber Committee | 2,420.00 |
| Millards Solicitors | Legal advice, consultations, correspondence and court attendance | 2722.50 |
| CONSULTANT/CONSULTANCY COMPANY | NATURE OF WORK | EXPENDITURE IN 2012 (January – June) € |
|---|---|---|
| UCD | Evaluation of the EU School Fruit Scheme /Food Dudes as per Commission Regulation 288/2009 | 6,387.50 |
| Epsion | Quarterly independent assessments of the Department’s it security measures as required for EU accreditation purposes and Biannual independent security reviews of the Department’s IT infrastructure | 18,119.76 |
| Epsion | Independent Web Application testing | 10,099.43 |
| Deloitte | Certifying Body, providing independent certification of the Department’s EAGF/EAFRD annual accounts and compliance with EU Accreditation criteria, as required under EU Council Regulation 1290/05. | 142,792.37 |
| Mazars | Provision of IT audit expertise to the Internal Audit Unit | 15,990 |
| Malone O’ Regan | Dunmore East FHC New Pontoon- Design tender & Admin . Construction | 1,722.00 |
| CST | Howth FHC Structural Survey of protective building | 4,327.00 |
| DTZ Sherry Fitzgerald | Property Valuations | 2,398.50 |
| Lisney | Property Valuations | 23,647.50 |
| Frank V Murphy & Co Ltd | Property Valuations | 1,107.00 |
| B N P Paribas real Estate | Property Valuations | 3,075.00 |
| Fitzmuarice Tingle Ltd | Refrigeration consultancy services pertaining to the use of Refrigerants at BIM owned Ice Plants | 3,505.50 |
| Brian Scott | Port Security Assessment carried out for Castletownbere FHC | 4,679.85 |
| Eoin O Driscoll | Collation, analysis and communication of national wood harvest and trade data on behalf of DAFM and transmission of data to Eurostat, FAO, the international Energy Agency and other bodies | 8,856.00 |
| Indecon | A review of certain aspects of the Irish Horse Racing industry | 59224.50 |
1371. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the political activities of each special adviser, special press advisers, or any other type of Ministerial adviser in his Department; if any of them were members of a political party; if so the parties to which they belonged; if any of them are or have been elected local authority members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37567/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
Section 5.4 of the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour excludes staff holding temporary un- established positions and whose tenure is coterminous with that of the relevant Minister from the restrictions on engaging in political activity as set out in section 5 of the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour.
1372. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the amount spent by his Department on drivers and Ministerial transport since February 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37583/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
The total amount spent by my Department on drivers and ministerial transport in respect of the Minister of State and myself from February 2011 to date is €338,425.98. This figure includes the salary and subsistence costs of the drivers, mileage expenses, airfares and taxi/limousine hire when on official business.
The system for the provision of transport and drivers for Ministers changed from the use of official State cars and Garda drivers to private cars and civilian drivers on the appointment of the Government in March 2011. My understanding is that the average annual cost of providing a State car under the previous administration was €280,000. Under current arrangements the average annual cost is less than €100,000 per Minster.
Question No. 1373 was answered with Question No. 1370.
1374. Deputy Nicky McFadden
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the support he will provide to farmers whose land and profits are affected by continuous poor weather conditions; if a full payment of disadvantage area payments will be made in September; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37664/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
I am fully aware of the impact of the very difficult weather conditions of recent weeks on farmers and of the potential impact on farm incomes. For that reason, I sought and received EU approval for the advance payment of the 2012 Single Payment Scheme. This will enable payment to issue immediately following 15 October and will represent the early payment of some €600 million to farmers.
1375. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
if he will supply a list of all Labour Court recommendations that have been issued in respect of his Department and organisations under his aegis that have not been complied with in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37746/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
I am satisfied that any Labour Court recommendations issued in respect of my Department have been complied with. With regard to organisations under the aegis of my Department, it would be a matter for the Deputy to enquire from the bodies themselves as to the status of any Labour Court recommendation in respect of those agencies.
1376. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the position regarding the closure of Teagasc offices (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37789/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
Decisions relating to the future of Teagasc local offices are operational matters for the Teagasc Authority to consider. Teagasc has statutory responsibility for the delivery of education, advisory and research services to the agriculture sector. It is a matter for Teagasc and its Board to prioritise activities in the delivery of these services and to allocate its resources in accordance with these priorities. Ministerial responsibility is confined to matters of policy in accordance with the Act and the Minister does not interfere in the day-to-day operations of Teagasc.
1377. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the position regarding the ice plant (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37790/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) is responsible for the Ice Plant at Dingle Fishery Harbour Centre and it is not within the remit of my Department to directly provide ice making facilities. The future management and operation of the Ice Plant is, therefore, a matter that should be raised with BIM directly.
1378. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the position regarding herring licences (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37792/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
In 2011, I asked the fishing industry and other interested parties to make proposals on the future management arrangements for all Irish herring fisheries, the Celtic Sea stock, the stocks off the North West coast and the Atlanto Scandian stock. The objective of the review was to deliver a policy which would ensure an economically and biologically sustainable fishery. I received over 20 sets of proposals and comments in relation to herring stocks management. It was very clear from these documents that there was no agreement within the industry as to how the future herring fishing opportunities should be managed. I asked my Department to examine the proposals received and to prepare for me a number of options, which as far as practically possible, took the views of stakeholders into account while delivering proper and effective management.
1379. Deputy Brendan Ryan
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
if he will indicate his position on genetically modified organisms; if it is permitted to genetically modify crops here; his views on the recent ban imposed by Poland on a matter (details supplied); if he will consider a similar ban if required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37829/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
EU Legislation sets down risk assessment and approval procedures for release and cultivation of GM crops and also GM ingredients used in both food and feed. Only those GMO’s deemed safe by European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for use as food and feed and also safe to the environment are authorised for use in the European Union.
- GM foods come under the Minister for Health and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland;
1380. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the position regarding recruiting persons with a disability; the number of persons currently employed in his Department; the number of persons with a disability that have been employed since 1 January 2011 to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37830/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
Of the staff engaged by my Department since 1 January 2011, one staff member has declared a disability. My Department also supports programmes such as the Willing, Able and Mentoring (WAM) Programme which offers 6 months paid mentored work experience placements to graduates with disabilities. Five such placements were facilitated during 2011 and 2012. As the Deputy will be aware, the declaration of a disability is a voluntary matter for the individual concerned. Last March, my Department reported in accordance with Part 5 of the Disability Act 2005 that 3.2% of the Department’s employees had declared a disability as defined under the Act. There are currently 3,300 (full time equivalent) staff in my Department.
1381. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the number of farmers who received single payment in 2011 in each of the following categories, €100,000 or more; €75,000 and less than €100,000; €50,000 and less than €75,000; €25,000 and less than €50,000; €10,000 and less than €25,000; and less than €10,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37860/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
1382. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the number of farmers who have single farm payment entitlements of in excess of €1,000 per hectare; the number of farmers with entitlements of between €500 per hectare and less than €1,000 per hectare; the number that have entitlements of between €250 and less than €500 per hectare; the number with entitlements of between €100 per hectare and less than €250 per hectare; the number with entitlements of less than €100 pe hectare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37861/12]
1428. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
if he will provide a breakdown of both the entitlements and the number of hectares for farmers in receipt of the single payment, with the entitlements per hectare cross referenced to the number of hectares in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39176/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
1383. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
when he intends re-opening the agri-environment options scheme; if this scheme, when re-opened, will be open to farmers on non Natura 2000 site; if it is proposed to retain the stonewall maintenance option at €0.50 per meter up to a maximum of €2,000 as part of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37891/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
I am aware of the importance of agri environment payments to the agriculture sector and am actively considering the possibility of re-opening the Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS) to allow for the submission of new applications. I am examining the situation against the background of the strict budgetary constraints which are in place and the difficult choices which must be made in managing limited resources and competing demands. I will make an announcement as soon as I have reached a decision on the matter.
1384. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
if he intends to change the cross-compliance rules for small farmers under 10 hectare so that they do not suffer total loss of their grants for very small hectarage of over claims and where a 3% overclaim is at most 0.3 of a heactare and often much less; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37892/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
1385. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
if he will consider amending the rules in relation to neighbouring herds, where a doubtful animal is found on a farm during a TB test, who must re-test their animals if they have not been tested in the last four months, by relaxing this rule to six months particularly in view of the very difficult year in farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37896/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
The bovine TB eradication programme includes a comprehensive range of measures aimed at eradicating TB from the cattle population in Ireland through testing and the control of cattle movements in order to prevent the spread of disease. More specifically, the programme provides for the mandatory annual testing of all cattle in the national herd, the implementation of a range of supplementary tests and the restriction of herds where TB is disclosed or suspected.
1386. Deputy Tom Fleming
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
if he will acknowledge the potential for job creation, investment and expansion in the aquaculture industry by expediting the processing of applications for aquaculture licences in Castlemaine harbour, County Kerry as the appropriate assessment has now been completed for some time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37897/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
Castlemaine Harbour is designated as a Special Area of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive and a Special Protection Area under the EU Birds Directive (Natura 2000 site). My Department, in conjunction with the Marine Institute and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, has engaged in a major programme to gather the necessary baseline data appropriate to the conservation objectives of aquaculture sites located within designated Natura areas, including Castlemaine Harbour.
1387. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív
asked the an Aire Talmhaíochta; Bia agus Mara
an bhfuil sé i gceist an oifig talmhaíochta atá ag a Roinn i gCathair na Gaillimhe a bhogadh go Baile Átha an Rí; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [37898/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
Ar Oifig na nOibreacha Poiblí atá an mhórfhreagracht cóiríocht a sholáthar do mo Roinnse. In athbhreithniú a rinneadh le déanaí ar an gcostas a bhain le cóiríocht agus ar na roghanna atá ann maidir le malairt áitribh shocraigh an OPW briseadh ón gconradh reatha. Dá réir sin, tá mo Roinnse ag obair leis an OPW chun socruithe nua a dhéanamh d’fhoireann Oifig Réigiúnach na Gaillimhe agus beidh aon chinntí a ghlactar bunaithe ar a riachtanais-san sa ghearrtéarma agus sa bhfadtéarma. Táimid faoi láthair ag déanamh measúnú ar an bhféadfadh go bhfuil malairt cóiríochta ar fáil i bhfoirgneamh na Roinne Cosanta ar an Rinn Mhór, Gaillimh agus i gColáiste Mhaoilíosa, Baile Átha an Rí araon.
1388. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the position regarding stocking density (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37902/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
Under EU Regulation 21/2004, all sheep keepers must count the sheep present in the flock on the holding, record the number in the flock register and are legally obliged to return this number to my Department. The requirement to complete and return the Sheep Census is a legal one, even where there are no sheep on the holding during the period designated. Failure to complete and return the form to my Department may lead to penalties under cross compliance.
· To maintain the countryside;
1389. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
his plans to put together new agri environment options scheme for farmers for the remainder of 2012; the steps he has taken on the matter; the meetings he has had with farming organisations on the issue; if funding been secured to resource the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37908/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
I am aware of the importance of agri environment payments to the agriculture sector and am actively considering the possibility of re-opening the Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS) to allow for the submission of new applications. I am examining the situation against the background of the strict budgetary constraints which are in place and the difficult choices which must be made in managing limited resources and competing demands. I will make an announcement as soon as I have reached a decision on the matter.
1390. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
his views on pig and poultry producers (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37916/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
Market prices for cereal-based animal feed and soya are a function of global supply and demand dynamics, currency relativities, weather conditions and other external factors. Increasing feed prices in 2012 are primarily a function of poor weather conditions in the USA, Brazil, Argentina, Russia and the Ukraine. The expected shortage in cereals comes on top of relatively poor harvests in recent years, a growing world population and a rising middle class in China. Thus there is a rising demand for animal feed and animal feed based products at a time when supplies are short.
1391. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
his views on a matter regarding phosphates in dairy farming (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37919/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
I am very aware of the difficulties this summer on farms as a result of the adverse weather conditions.
1392. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the suckler cow welfare scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37922/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
The Suckler Welfare Scheme is a five year Scheme and was introduced to improve welfare standards for beef animals born between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2012 and to assist in the establishment of a breeding database from which Suckler farmers could identify the best breeding stock for their particular requirements. The Scheme is fully funded by the Exchequer and a recent Value for money Audit has concluded that the Scheme had largely met its objectives. The continuation of this Scheme will be considered during the forthcoming budgetary process.
1393. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the number of letters issued to farmers, broken down on a county by county basis, in relation to stocking density under the new rules of the disadvantaged area scheme 2012; the number of replies received from each county seeking a derogation from the conditions of the scheme as provided in these letters; the amount of time it will take to reach a decision on the applications for a derogation; the total amount of savings it is projected will be made by these new rules; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37958/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
In order to make the necessary savings under the budget for the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, a range of technical adjustments to the Scheme criteria were introduced, with the agreement of the EU Commission, to ensure that the aid payment is focused on farmers who are making a significant contribution to achieving the objectives of the Scheme, which are defined in the governing EU legislation as follows:
I did, however, give the commitment that all applicants, whose stocking density was below 0.3 livestock units per forage hectare in 2011, would be written to formally and given the opportunity to apply for a derogation and, in this regard, I can confirm that in excess of 10,000 have been written to and afforded the opportunity to seek derogation from the 0.3 livestock unit requirement. In the region of 9,000 responded and these applications are currently being processed. The following were the categories under which farmers could apply for derogation:
· To ensure continued agricultural land use and thereby contribute to the maintenance of a viable rural community;
· To maintain the countryside;
· To maintain and promote sustainable farming systems which, in particular, take account of environmental protection measures.
·Category 1 : Farmers with a lower stocking density as a result of adherence to an agri-environment of similar type of plan.
·Category 2 : Farmers, who are not subject to the restrictions from a stocking density point of view of plans referred to under Category 1 above, but whose stocking levels were restricted by the poor land productivity and farming constraints.
·Category 3 : This Category is for farmers who took over a farm either immediately before or during 2011, where the previous owner died.
·Category 4 : This category is for farmers whose livestock were affected by an epizootic disease. An epizootic disease is any disease that affects a large number of animals in one place at one time.
·Category 5 : New Entrants.
·Category 6 : Miscellaneous, This category is for farmers who consider their particular circumstance is not covered in the categories set out above, e.g. farmers who were occupationally incapacitated as a result of an illness and/or hospitalisation.
These derogation applications are currently being processed, each case being individually reviewed. Decision notifications, which have recently begun issuing, are being sent to each applicant. Those whose applications are successful are being advised that their 2012 DAS applications will be further processed for payment, subject to the other Terms and Conditions governing the 2012 Scheme.
Those whose applications are unsuccessful are being afforded the right of appeal. In this regard, I have decided that an independent Appeals Committee, chaired by an independent Chairman, should be established to process appeals in relation to applicants whose applications for derogations have been unsuccessful.
It is not possible at this stage to break down the derogation applications by county or to quantify the level of savings.
1394. Deputy Pat Breen
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the position regarding a headage payment appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38017/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
In order to make the necessary savings under the budget for the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, a range of technical adjustments to the Scheme criteria were introduced, with the agreement of the EU Commission, to ensure that the aid payment is focused on farmers who are making a significant contribution to achieving the objectives of the Scheme, which are defined in the governing EU legislation as follows:
I did, however, give the commitment that all applicants, whose stocking density was below 0.3 livestock units per forage hectare in 2011, would be written to formally and given the opportunity to apply for a derogation and, in this regard, I can confirm that in excess of 10,000 have been written to and afforded the opportunity to seek derogation from the 0.3 livestock unit requirement. In the region of 9,000 responded and these applications are currently being processed. The following were the categories under which farmers could apply for derogation:
· To ensure continued agricultural land use and thereby contribute to the maintenance of a viable rural community;
· To maintain the countryside;
· To maintain and promote sustainable farming systems which, in particular, take account of environmental protection measures.
·Category 1 : Farmers with a lower stocking density as a result of adherence to an agri-environment of similar type of plan.
·Category 2 : Farmers, who are not subject to the restrictions from a stocking density point of view of plans referred to under Category 1 above, but whose stocking levels were restricted by the poor land productivity and farming constraints.
·Category 3 : This Category is for farmers who took over a farm either immediately before or during 2011, where the previous owner died.
·Category 4 : This category is for farmers whose livestock were affected by an epizootic disease. An epizootic disease is any disease that affects a large number of animals in one place at one time.
·Category 5 : New Entrants.
·Category 6 : Miscellaneous, This category is for farmers who consider their particular circumstance is not covered in the categories set out above, e.g. farmers who were occupationally incapacitated as a result of an illness and/or hospitalisation.
These derogation applications are currently being processed, each case being individually reviewed. Decision notifications, which have recently begun issuing, are being sent to each applicant. Those whose applications are successful are being advised that their 2012 DAS applications will be further processed for payment, subject to the other Terms and Conditions governing the 2012 Scheme. Those whose applications are unsuccessful are being afforded the right of appeal.
In this regard, I have decided that an independent Appeals Committee, chaired by an independent Chairman, should be established to process appeals in relation to applicants whose applications for derogations have been unsuccessful.
1395. Deputy Pat Breen
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
when payment of a road grant for forestry will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38085/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
Payment of the application by the person named under the Forest Roads Scheme will be made this week.
1396. Deputy Pat Breen
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
when payment will issue on an agri environment option scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38106/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
The person named was approved for participation in the 2011 Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from 1st September 2011 and has received full payment totalling €866.45 in respect of 2011.
1397. Deputy Michael Creed
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
if he will give a geographical breakdown of the successful applicants for milk quota under the new entrants scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38109/12]
1391. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
his views on a matter regarding phosphates in dairy farming (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37919/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
I am very aware of the difficulties this summer on farms as a result of the adverse weather conditions.
1392. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the suckler cow welfare scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37922/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
The Suckler Welfare Scheme is a five year Scheme and was introduced to improve welfare standards for beef animals born between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2012 and to assist in the establishment of a breeding database from which Suckler farmers could identify the best breeding stock for their particular requirements. The Scheme is fully funded by the Exchequer and a recent Value for money Audit has concluded that the Scheme had largely met its objectives. The continuation of this Scheme will be considered during the forthcoming budgetary process.
1393. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the number of letters issued to farmers, broken down on a county by county basis, in relation to stocking density under the new rules of the disadvantaged area scheme 2012; the number of replies received from each county seeking a derogation from the conditions of the scheme as provided in these letters; the amount of time it will take to reach a decision on the applications for a derogation; the total amount of savings it is projected will be made by these new rules; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37958/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
In order to make the necessary savings under the budget for the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, a range of technical adjustments to the Scheme criteria were introduced, with the agreement of the EU Commission, to ensure that the aid payment is focused on farmers who are making a significant contribution to achieving the objectives of the Scheme, which are defined in the governing EU legislation as follows: To ensure continued agricultural land use and thereby contribute to the maintenance of a viable rural community; To maintain the countryside; To maintain and promote sustainable farming systems which, in particular, take account of environmental protection measures.
1394. Deputy Pat Breen
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the position regarding a headage payment appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38017/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
In order to make the necessary savings under the budget for the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, a range of technical adjustments to the Scheme criteria were introduced, with the agreement of the EU Commission, to ensure that the aid payment is focused on farmers who are making a significant contribution to achieving the objectives of the Scheme, which are defined in the governing EU legislation as follows: To ensure continued agricultural land use and thereby contribute to the maintenance of a viable rural community; To maintain the countryside; To maintain and promote sustainable farming systems which, in particular, take account of environmental protection measures.
1395. Deputy Pat Breen
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
when payment of a road grant for forestry will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38085/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
Payment of the application by the person named under the Forest Roads Scheme will be made this week.
1396. Deputy Pat Breen
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
when payment will issue on an agri environment option scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38106/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
The person named was approved for participation in the 2011 Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from 1st September 2011 and has received full payment totalling €866.45 in respect of 2011.
1397. Deputy Michael Creed
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
if he will give a geographical breakdown of the successful applicants for milk quota under the new entrants scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38109/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
1398. Deputy Tom Hayes
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
his plans regarding new entrants to the commonage framework plan; if those new entrants will be allowed to purchase, rent or lease dormant shares currently being claimed for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38123/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
The review of the Commonage Framework Plans, which was carried out by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, with the assistance from my Department is completed. The review, which was conducted at individual commonage parcel level, indicates both the minimum and the maximum livestock units that will have to be maintained in order for the commonage to be maintained in Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition (GAEC). It is necessary that all commonage land be maintained in GAEC to be eligible for payment under the Single Payment Scheme, Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, REPS and Agri-Environment Options Scheme.
1399. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
if he will ensure that the Animal Health and Welfare Bill does not put the productive agricultural sector and exports at any type of competitive disadvantage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38138/12]
1401. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
if he will ensure that the Animal Health and Welfare Bill will not impose any unnecessary or additional costs of bureaucracy on farmers at a time when they are struggling to survive the worst summer in living memory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38140/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1399 and 1401 together.
1400. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38139/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
Ireland is officially free of Brucellosis since 2009 (our last case was in 2006) and my Department has scaled down the brucellosis testing programme since then, as follows:
- the age threshold for annual round testing has been increased from 12 to 24 months;
- the validity period of the pre-movement test has been increased from 30 days to 60 days;
Question No. 1401 was answered with Question No. 1399
1402. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
if he will confirm that we will be assured of having a continuation of the Government supports that are available, that is the €100 per suckler cow and the fifteen disposal costs of all p i calves in the compulsory programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38141/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
I put in place some limited funding to support an industry led programme to eradicate Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) during this year’s voluntary phase in order to encourage farmer participation in the programme and to help demonstrate the economic benefits that accrue to farmers as a result of BVD eradication and is currently being reviewed.
1403. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38142/12]
1407. Deputy Michael Creed
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
if he will clarify the situation regarding live exports to Libya in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38418/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1403 and 1407 together.
1404. Deputy Kevin Humphreys
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
when the Bord Bia Pig Technical Advisory Committee will agree on a definition of free-range/outdoor production for the inclusion in the pig quality assurance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38205/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
The Bord Bia Pig Quality Assurance Scheme (PQAS) is voluntary and application for membership certification is open to all producers (including outdoor production) who have a valid National Pig Identification and Tracing Scheme herd number and who wish to participate.
The revised standard is expected to be agreed in the near future.
1405. Deputy Pat Breen
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
when a decision on single farm payments will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38216/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
The person concerned has appealed the Department’s decision in this case to the Independent Agriculture Appeals Office. A hearing in the matter is currently being arranged and the person will be contacted in this regard as soon as possible.
1406. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding fishing rights in Irish waters.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38316/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
Irelands shares of the fish resource in waters around our shores is determined by a system of relative stability, based on historical fishing patterns in the confines of set management areas which were determined at the outset of the Common Fisheries Policy. That system has continued since and was not changed in the CFP Reform’s of 1992 or 2002. There is no support in the Council of Ministers for a change in the traditional quota allocations in the current Reform either and the Commission has not proposed any changes.
1408. Deputy Michael Creed
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
if he has conducted any evaluation of the fodder crisis here; the measures if any that he is contemplating to tackle this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38419/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
My Department is keeping the situation under review through monitoring of the weather and its effect on horticulture, cereals and silage production and grass growth.
1409. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the amount of money spent on an annual basis on education and training of staff in 2011 and to date in 2012; the number of staff that availed of each course; if he will provide a list of the courses staff undertook and the cost of each course per person. [38478/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
Due to the volume of the information requested by the Deputy, it was not possible to provide it in the required time. I will forward it to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
1410. Deputy Brendan Griffin
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
if a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will be allowed to increase their stocking quota; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38556/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
A Review of the Commonage Framework Plans is being undertaken by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and my Department, in consultation with stakeholders. Sustainable stock numbers will be proscribed for each LPIS parcel, to prevent under-grazing and over-grazing.
The objectives of the Review are to ensure:· That the lands are maintained in GAEC;
The review of Commonage Framework Plans, which has recently been completed, has established both the minimum and the maximum livestock units that will have to be maintained on a given applicant’s share of the commonage in order for the commonage to be maintained in Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition. It is intended that applicants, who declare a share of commonage land under both the Direct Payment and Agri-Environment Schemes, will be notified in the coming weeks of the minimum and maximum stocking levels now allowed in respect of the commonage land they declare.
· That the sustainable stocking of all commonage land is achieved;
· That sheep farmers, who may been required under the original Commonage Framework Plans, to de-stock, can once again increase sheep numbers, subject to the NPWS stocking rates for each of the commonages;
· Within a number of years, all commonages will continue to be maintained in GAEC, being substantially managed and farmed and contributing, both locally and nationally, in terms of the environment, tourism and bio-diversity.
1411. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
his plans to request funding from the European Union Solidarity Fund to assist farmers here who are facing a crisis in feeding their animals this year in view of the fact that there is not enough fodder available to cater for the stock that will be housed over the winter period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38614/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
The European Union Solidarity Fund is aimed primarily at providing funding to Member States in the event of a natural disaster.
1412. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the position regarding an appeal on stocking density in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38619/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
In order to make the necessary savings under the budget for the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, a range of technical adjustments to the Scheme criteria were introduced, with the agreement of the EU Commission, to ensure that the aid payment is focused on farmers who are making a significant contribution to achieving the objectives of the Scheme, which are defined in the governing EU legislation as follows:
I did, however, give the commitment that all applicants, whose stocking density was below 0.3 livestock units per forage hectare in 2011, would be written to formally and given the opportunity to apply for a derogation and, in this regard, I can confirm that in excess of 10,000 have been written to and afforded the opportunity to seek derogation from the 0.3 livestock unit requirement. In the region of 9,000 responded and these applications are currently being processed. The following were the categories under which farmers could apply for derogation:
· To ensure continued agricultural land use and thereby contribute to the maintenance of a viable rural community;
· To maintain the countryside;
· To maintain and promote sustainable farming systems which, in particular, take account of environmental protection measures.
·Category 1 : Farmers with a lower stocking density as a result of adherence to an agri-environment of similar type of plan.
·Category 2 : Farmers, who are not subject to the restrictions from a stocking density point of view of plans referred to under Category 1 above, but whose stocking levels were restricted by the poor land productivity and farming constraints.
·Category 3 : This Category is for farmers who took over a farm either immediately before or during 2011, where the previous owner died.
·Category 4 : This category is for farmers whose livestock were affected by an epizootic disease. An epizootic disease is any disease that affects a large number of animals in one place at one time.
·Category 5 : New Entrants.
·Category 6 : Miscellaneous, This category is for farmers who consider their particular circumstance is not covered in the categories set out above, e.g. farmers who were occupationally incapacitated as a result of an illness and/or hospitalisation.
These derogation applications are currently being processed, each case being individually reviewed. Decision notifications, which have recently begun issuing, are being sent to each applicant. Those whose applications are successful are being advised that their 2012 DAS applications will be further processed for payment, subject to the other Terms and Conditions governing the 2012 Scheme. Those whose applications are unsuccessful are being afforded the right of appeal.
In this regard, I have decided that an independent Appeals Committee, chaired by an independent Chairman, should be established to process appeals in relation to applicants whose applications for derogations have been unsuccessful.
1413. Deputy Tom Fleming
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
if he will review the decision to change the minimum stocking density requirements for qualification for the disadvantaged area scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38627/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
In order to make the necessary savings under the budget for the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, a range of technical adjustments to the Scheme criteria were introduced, with the agreement of the EU Commission, to ensure that the aid payment is focused on farmers who are making a significant contribution to achieving the objectives of the Scheme, which are defined in the governing EU legislation as follows:
I did, however, give the commitment that all applicants, whose stocking density was below 0.3 livestock units per forage hectare in 2011, would be written to formally and given the opportunity to apply for a derogation and, in this regard, I can confirm that in excess of 10,000 have been written to and afforded the opportunity to seek derogation from the 0.3 livestock unit requirement. In the region of 9,000 responded and these applications are currently being processed. The following were the categories under which farmers could apply for derogation:
· To ensure continued agricultural land use and thereby contribute to the maintenance of a viable rural community;
· To maintain the countryside;
· To maintain and promote sustainable farming systems which, in particular, take account of environmental protection measures.
·Category 1 : Farmers with a lower stocking density as a result of adherence to an agri-environment of similar type of plan.
·Category 2 : Farmers, who are not subject to the restrictions from a stocking density point of view of plans referred to under Category 1 above, but whose stocking levels were restricted by the poor land productivity and farming constraints.
·Category 3 : This Category is for farmers who took over a farm either immediately before or during 2011, where the previous owner died.
·Category 4 : This category is for farmers whose livestock were affected by an epizootic disease. An epizootic disease is any disease that affects a large number of animals in one place at one time.
·Category 5 : New Entrants.
·Category 6 : Miscellaneous, This category is for farmers who consider their particular circumstance is not covered in the categories set out above, e.g. farmers who were occupationally incapacitated as a result of an illness and/or hospitalisation.
These derogation applications are currently being processed, each case being individually reviewed. Decision notifications, which have recently begun issuing, are being sent to each applicant. Those whose applications are successful are being advised that their 2012 DAS applications will be further processed for payment, subject to the other Terms and Conditions governing the 2012 Scheme. Those whose applications are unsuccessful are being afforded the right of appeal.
In this regard, I have decided that an independent Appeals Committee, chaired by an independent Chairman, should be established to process appeals in relation to applicants whose applications for derogations have been unsuccessful.
1414. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the position regarding an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38658/12]
1408. Deputy Michael Creed
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
if he has conducted any evaluation of the fodder crisis here; the measures if any that he is contemplating to tackle this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38419/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
My Department is keeping the situation under review through monitoring of the weather and its effect on horticulture, cereals and silage production and grass growth.
1409. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the amount of money spent on an annual basis on education and training of staff in 2011 and to date in 2012; the number of staff that availed of each course; if he will provide a list of the courses staff undertook and the cost of each course per person. [38478/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
Due to the volume of the information requested by the Deputy, it was not possible to provide it in the required time. I will forward it to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
1410. Deputy Brendan Griffin
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
if a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will be allowed to increase their stocking quota; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38556/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
A Review of the Commonage Framework Plans is being undertaken by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and my Department, in consultation with stakeholders. Sustainable stock numbers will be proscribed for each LPIS parcel, to prevent under-grazing and over-grazing.
1411. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
his plans to request funding from the European Union Solidarity Fund to assist farmers here who are facing a crisis in feeding their animals this year in view of the fact that there is not enough fodder available to cater for the stock that will be housed over the winter period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38614/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
The European Union Solidarity Fund is aimed primarily at providing funding to Member States in the event of a natural disaster.
1412. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the position regarding an appeal on stocking density in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38619/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
In order to make the necessary savings under the budget for the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, a range of technical adjustments to the Scheme criteria were introduced, with the agreement of the EU Commission, to ensure that the aid payment is focused on farmers who are making a significant contribution to achieving the objectives of the Scheme, which are defined in the governing EU legislation as follows: To ensure continued agricultural land use and thereby contribute to the maintenance of a viable rural community; To maintain the countryside; To maintain and promote sustainable farming systems which, in particular, take account of environmental protection measures.
1413. Deputy Tom Fleming
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
if he will review the decision to change the minimum stocking density requirements for qualification for the disadvantaged area scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38627/12]
:
In order to make the necessary savings under the budget for the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, a range of technical adjustments to the Scheme criteria were introduced, with the agreement of the EU Commission, to ensure that the aid payment is focused on farmers who are making a significant contribution to achieving the objectives of the Scheme, which are defined in the governing EU legislation as follows: To ensure continued agricultural land use and thereby contribute to the maintenance of a viable rural community; To maintain the countryside; To maintain and promote sustainable farming systems which, in particular, take account of environmental protection measures.
1414. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the position regarding an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38658/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
In order to make the necessary savings under the budget for the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, a range of technical adjustments to the Scheme criteria were introduced, with the agreement of the EU Commission, to ensure that the aid payment is focused on farmers who are making a significant contribution to achieving the objectives of the Scheme, which are defined in the governing EU legislation as follows: To ensure continued agricultural land use and thereby contribute to the maintenance of a viable rural community; To maintain the countryside; To maintain and promote sustainable farming systems which, in particular, take account of environmental protection measures.
1415. Deputy Brendan Griffin
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
if the amount of single farm payment being made available to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38729/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
The person named submitted an application under the Inheritance measure of the Single Payment Scheme on 30th November 2005, to inherit the entitlements established by his late father. Following examination of this application, my Department requested the person named to forward a copy of his late father’s will. Despite numerous requests from my Department, the person named failed to submit the relevant documentation. Subsequently, on 26th July 2006 my Department rejected the Inheritance application from the person named as the requested documentation was not submitted to my Department.
1416. Deputy Brendan Griffin
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
if the decision to refuse permission to plant forestry will be reviewed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38730/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
Since 2007 the person named has submitted five separate applications in respect of his lands, each of which has been refused, most recently in August 2011 (reference CN57292). The lands in question are located close to the Atlantic coastline with consequent exposure to extreme wind and salt deposition. The lands are unsuitable for afforestation and incapable of producing a commercial crop.
1417. Deputy Brendan Griffin
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
when he expects to have decisions on derogation appeals on the 2012 disadvantage area scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38760/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
In order to make the necessary savings under the budget for the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, a range of technical adjustments to the Scheme criteria were introduced, with the agreement of the EU Commission, to ensure that the aid payment is focused on farmers who are making a significant contribution to achieving the objectives of the Scheme, which are defined in the governing EU legislation as follows: To ensure continued agricultural land use and thereby contribute to the maintenance of a viable rural community; To maintain the countryside; To maintain and promote sustainable farming systems which, in particular, take account of environmental protection measures.
1418. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the position regarding a REP scheme payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38810/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
The person mentioned commenced REPS 4 in January 2008 and received payments for the first four years of their contract. Following a compliance inspection in October 2010 areas of non-compliance with the terms and conditions of the scheme were noted in relation to Measure 5 – Maintenance of Farm and Field Boundaries which resulted in a penalty being imposed. This decision was appealed to the Agricultural Appeals Office and in February 2012, following an oral hearing, a decision to partially allow the appeal was allowed. Payment of €3,152.01 issued to the person named on 17 April 2012 in respect of the adjusted penalty.
1419. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the number of licence applications awaiting decisions for new and renewals of aquaculture licences; the duration that this backlog has been accruing; if he will indicate over the last 10 years the number of applications that were made each year and the number of decisions that were issued on foot on those applications each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38829/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
1420. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
if he will clarify when restrictions relating to a licence application (details supplied) in County Kerry came into place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38830/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
The site in question is located within a ‘Natura 2000 area’. All applications in ‘Natura 2000 areas’ are required to be appropriately assessed for the purpose of environmental compliance with the EU Habitats/Birds Directives.
1421. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
in relation to an application for a licence to produce salmon (details supplied) in County Kerry in 2005, if he will clarify certain matters (details further supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38831/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
My Department is in receipt of aquaculture licence applications from the operator referred to by the Deputy for a site in Kenmare Bay. The applications which are for the same site will be processed simultaneously.
1422. Deputy Michael Moynihan
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
if he will clarify an anomaly which has shown up on the system where a farmer has retired under the EU Commission early farm retirement scheme at the age of 55 years and was advised that participation in the scheme would cover any PRSI contributions necessary to allow them to qualify for the full contributory pension at age 66 years, but it has now transpired that there was no PRSI paid even though the pension was taxable, they now do not qualify for a full contributory pension; if he will investigate same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38832/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
Payments under the Early Retirement Scheme are classified as Class M and as occupational pensions for PRSI purposes. While occupational pensions are taxable, PRSI is not deducted from occupational or Department of Social Protection pensions.
1423. Deputy Dominic Hannigan
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
if he will outline, in tabular form, both the number and the percentage of women and men on State boards under the aegis of his Department in each of the past ten years; if he will provide the most up-to-date figures available regarding the number and percentage of women and men on State boards under the aegis of his Department in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38850/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
1424. Deputy Brendan Griffin
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
his views on a matter regarding grants (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38868/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
A revised Sow Housing Welfare Scheme was introduced by my Department in July 2012 in order to further assist the pig sector in Ireland to comply with the new EU animal welfare rules for the sector which come into effect at the beginning of next year.
1425. Deputy Willie Penrose
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
if he has issued instructions to local authorities and other State bodies, to ensure they comply with their obligations and duties under the Noxious Weeds Act, 1936, as amended; and if so, the response there has been to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38940/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
My Department actively seeks to enforce the provisions of the Noxious Weeds Act 1936 by engaging with all County Councils, Local Authorities and the National Roads Authority (NRA) to ensure a consistent programme of treatment and disposal of such weeds on an ongoing basis. In this regard, all County Councils, Local Authorities and the NRA were written to in April of this year emphasising their statutory obligations and the importance of implementing measures for the treatment and safe disposal of ragwort.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
Since May 2011, a notification has been placed on my Department’s website inviting expressions of interest from persons interested in being appointed to the boards of State Bodies under the aegis of my Department. Also on 7th September of this year I placed an advertisement in the National Newspapers inviting expressions of interest. These applications will be considered when appointments are being made to any of these boards. It is hoped that this will provide me with a wide range of applicants with the appropriate mix of skills and experience in the relevant area of work.
In the case of a number of bodies, the board appointments, while made by me, are not at my sole discretion and, instead, individuals are nominated for appointment by me by various organisations as specified in the relevant statute. These are the Aquaculture Licensing Appeals Board, Bord Bia, Teagasc, National Milk Agency, Veterinary Council of Ireland and Horse Racing Ireland.
The details of board membership are outlined in the table below.
Position as at 18 September 2012
Body/Agency | Total No of Board Members | Men % | Female % | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Aquaculture Licensing Appeals Board | 7 | 457% | 228% | 1 |
An Bord Bia | 15 | 1173% | 320% | 1 |
Bord Iascaigh Mhara | 6 | 583% | 00% | 1 |
Bord na gCon | 7 | 685% | 115% | - |
Coillte | 9 | 777% | 223% | - |
Horse Racing Ireland | 14 | 1392% | 18% | - |
Irish National Stud | 7 | 571% | 229% | - |
Marine Institute | 9 | 444% | 00% | 5 |
National Milk Agency | 14 | 14100% | 00% | - |
Sea Fisheries Protection Agency | 3 | 266% | 00% | 1 |
Teagasc | 11 | 872% | 19% | 2 |
Veterinary Council of Ireland | 19 | 1157% | 842% | - |
Body/Agency | Total No of Board Members | Men % | Female % | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Aquaculture Licensing Appeals Board | 7 | 685% | 115% | - |
An Bord Bia | 15 | 1280% | 320% | - |
Bord Iascaigh Mhara | 6 | 583% | 117% | - |
Bord na gCon | 7 | 7100% | 00% | - |
Coillte | 9 | 888% | 112% | - |
Horse Racing Ireland | 14 | 1286% | 214% | - |
Irish National Stud | 7 | 572% | 228% | - |
Marine Institute | 9 | 888% | 112% | - |
National Milk Agency | 14 | 14100% | 00% | - |
Sea Fisheries Protection Agency | Body not created until 2009 | |||
Teagasc | 11 | 982% | 218% | 0 |
Veterinary Council of Ireland | 19 | Gender breakdown not known for 2002 |
1424. Deputy Brendan Griffin
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
his views on a matter regarding grants (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38868/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
A revised Sow Housing Welfare Scheme was introduced by my Department in July 2012 in order to further assist the pig sector in Ireland to comply with the new EU animal welfare rules for the sector which come into effect at the beginning of next year.
1425. Deputy Willie Penrose
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
if he has issued instructions to local authorities and other State bodies, to ensure they comply with their obligations and duties under the Noxious Weeds Act, 1936, as amended; and if so, the response there has been to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38940/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
My Department actively seeks to enforce the provisions of the Noxious Weeds Act 1936 by engaging with all County Councils, Local Authorities and the National Roads Authority (NRA) to ensure a consistent programme of treatment and disposal of such weeds on an ongoing basis. In this regard, all County Councils, Local Authorities and the NRA were written to in April of this year emphasising their statutory obligations and the importance of implementing measures for the treatment and safe disposal of ragwort.
1426. Deputy Anne Ferris
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the steps he is taking to ensure that State boards have at least 40% of each gender, as provided for in the Programme for Government; the percentage at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39146/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
Since May 2011, a notification was placed on my Department’s website inviting expressions of interest from persons interested in being appointed to the boards of State Bodies under the aegis of my Department. Also on 7th September this year I placed an advertisement in the National papers inviting expressions of interest. Such persons can submit a short note or CV through stateboardvacancies@agriculture.gov.ie. These applications will be considered when appointments are being made to any of these boards. It is hoped that this will provide me with a wide range of applicants, including women, with the appropriate mix of skills and experience in the relevant area of work. It should be pointed out that certain appointments to State Bodies under the aegis of my Department are made on the nomination of Representative Bodies.
1427. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the budget allocation for the REP scheme and agri environment option schemes in the past three yerars; the amount paid out each year for both schemes, including the payments to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39175/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
The table below sets out both the overall agri-environment budget and the amounts paid under each scheme for the years 2010, 2011 and 2012.
| 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Agri-Environment Budget | €329m | €337m | €243m |
| AEOS Expenditure | - | €14m | €23m* |
| REPS Expenditure | €324m | €262m | €63m* |
Question No. 1428 answered with Question No. 1382.
1429. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the actions that have been taken in 2012 to ensure compliance with the noxious weeds legislation with reference in particular to the spread of ragworth; the number of prosecutions pending; the number of these that have been taken against public bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39177/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
The Noxious Weeds Act 1936 provides for the control of the spread of six noxious weeds, namely, thistle, ragwort, dock, common barberry, male wild hop plant and the wild oat. Under the Act, it is an offence not to prevent the spread of these noxious weeds. The owner, occupier, user or managers of lands on which these weeds are present are subject to the provisions of the Act, including a fine of up to €1,000 on conviction.
1430. Deputy Jim Daly
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the position regarding disadvantaged area payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39200/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
In order to make the necessary savings under the budget for the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, a range of technical adjustments to the Scheme criteria were introduced, with the agreement of the EU Commission, to ensure that the aid payment is focused on farmers who are making a significant contribution to achieving the objectives of the Scheme, which are defined in the governing EU legislation as follows:
I did, however, give the commitment that all applicants, whose stocking density was below 0.3 livestock units per forage hectare in 2011, would be written to formally and given the opportunity to apply for a derogation and, in this regard, I can confirm that in excess of 10,000 have been written to and afforded the opportunity to seek derogation from the 0.3 livestock unit requirement. In the region of 9,000 responded and these applications are currently being processed. The following were the categories under which farmers could apply for derogation:
· To ensure continued agricultural land use and thereby contribute to the maintenance of a viable rural community;
· To maintain the countryside;
· To maintain and promote sustainable farming systems which, in particular, take account of environmental protection measures.
·Category 1 : Farmers with a lower stocking density as a result of adherence to an agri-environment of similar type of plan.
·Category 2 : Farmers, who are not subject to the restrictions from a stocking density point of view of plans referred to under Category 1 above, but whose stocking levels were restricted by the poor land productivity and farming constraints.
·Category 3 : This Category is for farmers who took over a farm either immediately before or during 2011, where the previous owner died.
·Category 4 : This category is for farmers whose livestock were affected by an epizootic disease. An epizootic disease is any disease that affects a large number of animals in one place at one time.
·Category 5 : New Entrants.
·Category 6 : Miscellaneous, This category is for farmers who consider their particular circumstance is not covered in the categories set out above, e.g. farmers who were occupationally incapacitated as a result of an illness and/or hospitalisation.
These derogation applications are currently being processed, each case being individually reviewed. Decision notifications, which have recently begun issuing, are being sent to each applicant. Those whose applications are successful are being advised that their 2012 DAS applications will be further processed for payment, subject to the other Terms and Conditions governing the 2012 Scheme. Those whose applications are unsuccessful are being afforded the right of appeal.
In this regard, I have decided that an independent Appeals Committee, chaired by an independent Chairman, should be established to process appeals in relation to applicants whose applications for derogations have been unsuccessful.
1431. Deputy Tom Fleming
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
when the balance of a 2011 GSS payment will be issued in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39224/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
Outstanding issues relating to the application under the 2011 Grassland Sheep Scheme application of the person named have recently been resolved, thereby allowing the balancing payment to issue shortly, directly to the nominated bank account of the person named.
1432. Deputy Martin Ferris
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
if Coillte has already agreed to the sale or lease of a large proportion of its forestry assets; and, if so, if he will provide details. [39241/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
The Coillte Board and Management have been actively engaged in recent months with NewERA, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and my Department to examine the financial and other implications of developing the potential of Coillte’s forest assets.
1433. Deputy Derek Keating
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
in view of the fact that it is reported that he grant aids animal welfare to the amount of €1.1 million every year, if he is satisfied that there is value for money and that the various organisations are providing a service that is in keeping with funding from public moneys; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39259/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
My Department does not operate specific schemes of financial assistance for animal welfare groups: however since 1995 it has made ex-gratia payments to a number of organisations directly involved in the delivery of animal care and welfare services. The funding arrangements are kept under review on an annual basis.
In 2011 my Department awarded a total of €1.235million to 132 Animal Welfare Organisations. In conjunction with these awards, I introduced a new Code of Practice for welfare organisations which aims to promote sound welfare and management practices to assist organisations achieve high standards of animal welfare. This Code of Practice is available on my Department’s website at http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/animalhealthwelfare/animalwelfare. In addition, financial statements have to be provided by grant applicants.
1434. Deputy John Deasy
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
his plans to liberalise the commercial fishing of sea bass in Irish waters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39292/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
1426. Deputy Anne Ferris
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the steps he is taking to ensure that State boards have at least 40% of each gender, as provided for in the Programme for Government; the percentage at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39146/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
Since May 2011, a notification was placed on my Department’s website inviting expressions of interest from persons interested in being appointed to the boards of State Bodies under the aegis of my Department. Also on 7th September this year I placed an advertisement in the National papers inviting expressions of interest. Such persons can submit a short note or CV through stateboardvacancies@agriculture.gov.ie. These applications will be considered when appointments are being made to any of these boards. It is hoped that this will provide me with a wide range of applicants, including women, with the appropriate mix of skills and experience in the relevant area of work. It should be pointed out that certain appointments to State Bodies under the aegis of my Department are made on the nomination of Representative Bodies.
1427. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the budget allocation for the REP scheme and agri environment option schemes in the past three yerars; the amount paid out each year for both schemes, including the payments to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39175/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
Question No. 1428 answered with Question No. 1382.
1429. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the actions that have been taken in 2012 to ensure compliance with the noxious weeds legislation with reference in particular to the spread of ragworth; the number of prosecutions pending; the number of these that have been taken against public bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39177/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
The Noxious Weeds Act 1936 provides for the control of the spread of six noxious weeds, namely, thistle, ragwort, dock, common barberry, male wild hop plant and the wild oat. Under the Act, it is an offence not to prevent the spread of these noxious weeds. The owner, occupier, user or managers of lands on which these weeds are present are subject to the provisions of the Act, including a fine of up to €1,000 on conviction.
1430. Deputy Jim Daly
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the position regarding disadvantaged area payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39200/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
In order to make the necessary savings under the budget for the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, a range of technical adjustments to the Scheme criteria were introduced, with the agreement of the EU Commission, to ensure that the aid payment is focused on farmers who are making a significant contribution to achieving the objectives of the Scheme, which are defined in the governing EU legislation as follows: To ensure continued agricultural land use and thereby contribute to the maintenance of a viable rural community; To maintain the countryside; To maintain and promote sustainable farming systems which, in particular, take account of environmental protection measures.
1431. Deputy Tom Fleming
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
when the balance of a 2011 GSS payment will be issued in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39224/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
Outstanding issues relating to the application under the 2011 Grassland Sheep Scheme application of the person named have recently been resolved, thereby allowing the balancing payment to issue shortly, directly to the nominated bank account of the person named.
1432. Deputy Martin Ferris
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
if Coillte has already agreed to the sale or lease of a large proportion of its forestry assets; and, if so, if he will provide details. [39241/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
The Coillte Board and Management have been actively engaged in recent months with NewERA, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and my Department to examine the financial and other implications of developing the potential of Coillte’s forest assets.
1433. Deputy Derek Keating
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
in view of the fact that it is reported that he grant aids animal welfare to the amount of €1.1 million every year, if he is satisfied that there is value for money and that the various organisations are providing a service that is in keeping with funding from public moneys; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39259/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
My Department does not operate specific schemes of financial assistance for animal welfare groups: however since 1995 it has made ex-gratia payments to a number of organisations directly involved in the delivery of animal care and welfare services. The funding arrangements are kept under review on an annual basis.
1434. Deputy John Deasy
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
his plans to liberalise the commercial fishing of sea bass in Irish waters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39292/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
Irish vessels are currently precluded from landing Sea Bass under the Bass (Conservation of Stocks) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 230 of 2006) and the Bass (Restriction on Sale) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 367 of 2007). The complete ban for the commercial fishing of sea bass applies to Irish fishing vessels in all areas. These regulations were introduced as a co-ordinated set of measures with the Sea Bass Fishing Conservation bylaws. The bylaws imposes a bag limit on anglers of two bass in any one period of 24 hours and a ban on angling for bass during the spawning season, from 15th May to 15th June in any given year.
1435. Deputy Brendan Smith
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the total payments made to farmers in County Cavan in 2010 and 2011 under REP scheme and the agri environment option scheme; the level of payments to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39352/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
1436. Deputy Brendan Smith
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the total payments made to farmers in County Monaghan in 2010 and 2011 under REP scheme and the agri environment option scheme; the level of payments to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39353/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
1437. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the number of State bodies that have been set up since 9 March 2011; the rationale behind these decisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39991/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
I have not set up any State Bodies since 9th March 2012.
1438. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
if he will provide a list of the payments made by the State to private land owners in 2010 and 2011 to acquire land for use in the public capital programme. [40004/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
There was no land acquisitions in 2010 or 2011 associated with my Department’s capital expenditure programme.
Question No. 1439 answered with Question No. 1366.
1440. Deputy Gerald Nash
asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine
the number of appointments that have been made to positions available on the boards of semi-State companies and statutory agencies following public advertisement; if he will provide details of the names of persons who have been appointed under this initiative and the agencies on which they now sit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40028/12]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney):
1441. Deputy Clare Daly
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
if she will carry out an investigation into the reason the Midland Health Board failed to take any action on the substantial records that they had regarding the vicious and systematic abuse of (details supplied). [37693/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
This matter is appropriate to the HSE and, accordingly, I have forwarded the information to Gordon Jeyes, National Director of Children and Family Services for his attention and consideration.
1442. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
if her attention has been drawn to the expected loss of services provided by Lifestart in west Kildare and Offaly affecting hundreds of families; if she directly or through the Health Service Executive can identify savings elsewhere which might be helpful towards the ensuring the continuation of services provided by Lifestart; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39308/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
My Department has brought this matter to the attention of the HSE, and asked that it provide the Deputy with the information requested as soon as possible.
1443. Deputy Tom Fleming
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
if she will provide representation to the family resource centres on the family services committee currently being developed in acknowledgement of the vital and outstanding work that they are carrying out. [36989/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
The Family Support Agency, under my Department, operates the Family Resource Centre Programme. The aim of the Family Resource Centre Programme is to combat disadvantage and improve the functioning of the family unit. There are 107 family resource centres throughout the country funded under the programme. I understand that 12 FRCs have been established in Kerry under the Family Support Agency (FSA) programme.
The centres provide a range of services for families and groups at local level. These include information, education and training opportunities, childcare, breakfast, homework and after school clubs and services for young people at risk of substance abuse, for which funding is provided under programmes administered by several government departments and agencies. Family Resource Centres have an important role to play, in harnessing local community efforts, in support of improved outcomes for children and young people which is a key objective of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.
Since the inception in September 2010 of the Kerry Children’s Services Committee (CSC), the Kerry Network of Family Resource Centres has, in recognition of the valuable work they undertake at community level with children, young people and families, been represented on the Kerry CSC. You may also wish to note that the Kerry CSC has established 7 Working Groups: and that FRCs are at present represented and engaged in working on 3 of these working groups: Parenting & Family Learning, Youth Mental Health; Young People at Risk.
1444. Deputy Robert Troy
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
the number of children in care with an assigned social worker in February 2011; the current number without for each; the proportion for each; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36990/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
The Health Service Executive (HSE) compiles monthly performance reports which include statistics in relation to children in care. These reports are published on the HSE website. The latest published report shows that there were 6,248 children in State care in June 2012. 5,772 / 92.4% of these children had an allocated social worker. In February 2011, there were 6,015 children in State care, of which 5,689 / 95% had an allocated social worker.
1445. Deputy Robert Troy
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
when she expects to publish the Children's First legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36991/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
The Deputy will be aware that I published the Heads of the Children First Bill in April 2012. The purpose of the Bill is to ensure that organisations and professionals who work with children have a statutory responsibility to report reasonable concerns about the abuse or neglect of children in their care to the HSE Child and Family Services. I asked the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children to consider the Heads of the Children First Bill and make recommendations and I received their comprehensive Report in July. I wish to thank the Committee for its work on this matter. My Department is currently considering the recommendations of the Joint Committee.
1446. Deputy Robert Troy
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
the number of individual, not WTE, social workers in February 2011; the number now; the number expected to be provided by the end of the year; the proportion for each; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36992/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
The HSE compiles a monthly census of employment in the public health and social care sector. The figures indicate that the number of individual social workers employed in the Children and Families Service area of the HSE was 1,325 in February 2011 and 1,411 at the end of July 2012, which is the latest month for which data is available.
1447. Deputy Robert Troy
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
the number of WTE social workers in February 2011; the number now; the number expected to be provided by the end of the year; the proportion for each; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36993/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
The HSE compiles a monthly census of employment in the public health and social care sector. The figures indicate that the number of WTE social workers employed in the Children and Families Service area of the HSE was 1231 in February 2011 and 1,300 at the end of July 2012, which is the latest month for which data is available.
1448. Deputy Robert Troy
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
the average waiting time at present for inter country adoptions; the way this compares to previous years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36995/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
The Adoption Act, 2010, which was commenced on 1st November 2010, coincided with Ireland's formal ratification of the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption. The Adoption Authority has been proactive in developing relationships with its Hague counterparts around the world and this will continue. The building of such relationships will help to bring greater clarity to the intercountry adoption process generally, including the timescales involved for adopting from different countries.
1449. Deputy Robert Troy
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
her plans to introduce a Scandinavian system of childcare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36996/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
The Government currently supports the provision of early childhood care and education through three support programmes - the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme, the Community Childcare Subvention (CCS) programme and the Childcare Education and Training Support (CETS) programme. These programmes are administered by my Department.
1443. Deputy Tom Fleming
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
if she will provide representation to the family resource centres on the family services committee currently being developed in acknowledgement of the vital and outstanding work that they are carrying out. [36989/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
The Family Support Agency, under my Department, operates the Family Resource Centre Programme. The aim of the Family Resource Centre Programme is to combat disadvantage and improve the functioning of the family unit. There are 107 family resource centres throughout the country funded under the programme. I understand that 12 FRCs have been established in Kerry under the Family Support Agency (FSA) programme.
1444. Deputy Robert Troy
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
the number of children in care with an assigned social worker in February 2011; the current number without for each; the proportion for each; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36990/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
The Health Service Executive (HSE) compiles monthly performance reports which include statistics in relation to children in care. These reports are published on the HSE website. The latest published report shows that there were 6,248 children in State care in June 2012. 5,772 / 92.4% of these children had an allocated social worker. In February 2011, there were 6,015 children in State care, of which 5,689 / 95% had an allocated social worker.
1445. Deputy Robert Troy
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
when she expects to publish the Children's First legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36991/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
The Deputy will be aware that I published the Heads of the Children First Bill in April 2012. The purpose of the Bill is to ensure that organisations and professionals who work with children have a statutory responsibility to report reasonable concerns about the abuse or neglect of children in their care to the HSE Child and Family Services. I asked the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children to consider the Heads of the Children First Bill and make recommendations and I received their comprehensive Report in July. I wish to thank the Committee for its work on this matter. My Department is currently considering the recommendations of the Joint Committee.
1446. Deputy Robert Troy
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
the number of individual, not WTE, social workers in February 2011; the number now; the number expected to be provided by the end of the year; the proportion for each; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36992/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
The HSE compiles a monthly census of employment in the public health and social care sector. The figures indicate that the number of individual social workers employed in the Children and Families Service area of the HSE was 1,325 in February 2011 and 1,411 at the end of July 2012, which is the latest month for which data is available.
1447. Deputy Robert Troy
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
the number of WTE social workers in February 2011; the number now; the number expected to be provided by the end of the year; the proportion for each; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36993/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
The HSE compiles a monthly census of employment in the public health and social care sector. The figures indicate that the number of WTE social workers employed in the Children and Families Service area of the HSE was 1231 in February 2011 and 1,300 at the end of July 2012, which is the latest month for which data is available.
1448. Deputy Robert Troy
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
the average waiting time at present for inter country adoptions; the way this compares to previous years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36995/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
The Adoption Act, 2010, which was commenced on 1st November 2010, coincided with Ireland's formal ratification of the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption. The Adoption Authority has been proactive in developing relationships with its Hague counterparts around the world and this will continue. The building of such relationships will help to bring greater clarity to the intercountry adoption process generally, including the timescales involved for adopting from different countries.
1449. Deputy Robert Troy
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
her plans to introduce a Scandinavian system of childcare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36996/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
The Government currently supports the provision of early childhood care and education through three support programmes - the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme, the Community Childcare Subvention (CCS) programme and the Childcare Education and Training Support (CETS) programme. These programmes are administered by my Department.
1450. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
the number of agencies, authorities, boards, committees, working groups, tribunals, council services, task forces, agencies or other quangos set up by her Department since February 2011; the number abolished since then; the extra cost of quangos which were established; the savings from the abolition of quangos; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37240/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
My Department was formally established on the 2nd of June 2011 and has not established any quangos. Below are the number of various advisory groups established since coming to office:
The Task Force's work was completed upon publication of its Final Report, in July 2012.
1451. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
the estimated cost of each quango in her Department; the amount expected to be saved from the mergers of quangos in her Department; the basis for this figure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37256/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
The Deputy might note that there are four statutory agencies currently under the operational remit of my Department that are funded by the Exchequer and these include the Adoption Authority of Ireland, the Family Support Agency, the National Educational Welfare Board and the Office of the Ombudsman for Children. There are no quasi autonomous non-governmental organisations in receipt of funds from my Department.
1452. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
the number of new jobs created by her Department as a result of the jobs initiative; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37272/12]
1453. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
the number of new jobs created by her Department as a result of the action plan on jobs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37288/12]
1454. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
the number of new jobs created by her Department as a result of Budget 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37304/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1452 to 1454, inclusive, together.
1455. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
the total amount spent on taxis by her Department since February 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37320/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
A total of €6,100.74 has been spent on the use of taxis for official business since my Department was established in June 2011. While every effort is made to avoid the use of taxis there occasions where their use is warranted. Control procedures are in place and the use and expenditure on taxis is monitored closely.
1456. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
the number of press officers in her Department; the number of press officers in each agency under her auspices; the total cost of press officers in her Department and in agencies under her auspices; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37336/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
My Department currently has one person filling the role of Press Officer and she is employed on the Higher Executive Officer salary scale which runs from €46,081 to €58,294 per annum. I understand that the National Educational Welfare Board employs a Communications Manager which encompasses the role of Press Officer and this is again on the Higher Executive Officer salary scale. There are no specific press officer responsibilities assigned to individuals at the Family Support Agency, the Adoption Authority of Ireland or the Children's Detention Schools. I understand that the Office of the Ombudsman for Children will provide the information requested directly to the Deputy.
1457. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
the total number of board appointees she has made since she came to office; the names, salaries and expenses of each; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37352/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
1458. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
if she will detail, in tabular form, the total photography costs for her Department since coming to office inclusive of costs incurred from use of the Ministerial allowance; the occasions for which photographers were booked; the photographers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion that a photographers was used; if there is a policy regarding the booking of photographers within her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37368/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
1459. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
if she will detail in tabular form, the total cost of providing entertainment for her Department since coming to office inclusive of costs incurred from use of the Ministerial allowance; the occasions for which entertainment was provided; the entertainers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion; if there is a policy regarding the booking of entertainers within her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37440/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
My Department was formally established on 2nd of June 2011 and since coming to office no costs have been incurred by providing entertainment.
1460. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
the amount spent on food and drink by her Department; if she will provide a breakdown of what this involved; the occasions on which food and drink was provided; those present; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37456/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
My Department is extremely conscious of the need to keep expenditure on items such as food and drink to a minimum. As such, controls are in place to ensure that refreshments are only provided at meetings where there is a valid business reason to do so. This would generally involve provision of in-house tea, coffee and biscuits in situations where external groups or bodies are involved. The work of my Department involves meetings with various stakeholders and groups working with children and young people and light refreshments would often be appropriate in these circumstances. The total amount spent on refreshments of this nature since January 2012 is €3,932. In addition, €1,586 has been spent on official entertainment relating to lunches.
1461. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
the amount spent on hair and make-up by her Department since she came to office; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37472/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
No costs have been incurred by my Department for the provision of hair and make-up services since my appointment as Minister for Children and Youth Affairs.
1462. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
the number and names of all special advisers, special press advisers, or any other type of Ministerial adviser in her Department; the name of the Minister / Minister of State to whom she reports; the salary of each advisor now; the salary of each advisor at the time they were appointed; if any salary increase was asked for; if this was granted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37488/12]
1467. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
the political activities of each special adviser, special press advisers, or any other type of Ministerial adviser in her Department; if any of them were members of a political party; if so the parties to which they belonged; if any of them are or have been elected local authority members; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37569/12]
1490. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
the names of special advisors for whom salary increases have been requested; the amount requested; the details of those granted increases and the amount by which they were increased; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40017/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1462, 1467 and 1490 together.
As requested by the Deputy, details of the names and salaries for Special Advisers in my Department are set out in tabular form below. In accordance with Department of Finance instructions on Ministerial appointments, my Advisers were placed on the first point of the Principal Officer standard scale on appointment. The Principal Officer scale provides for annual increments and as all my Advisers are in their second year of tenure, all have moved to the second point of the scale. There have been no additional salary increases asked for or granted since their appointment.
Name | WTE (Wholetime Equivalent) | Salary on appointment | Current Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marion Mannion | 1 | €80,051 | €83,337 |
| Jennifer Carroll MacNeill | 0.5 | €40,025 | €41,669 |
| William Lavelle | 0.5 | €40,025 | €41,669 |
1463. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
if she will provide detail in tabular form, the names of all external public relations and consultancy persons and organisations used by her Department for the years 2011 and 2010; the amount paid to each; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37504/12]
1466. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
if she will detail in tabular form, the amount paid to consultants since February 2011; the name of each organisation used; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37553/12]
1469. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
the total amount spent since February 2011 on external reports commissioned by her Department, including payments from Ministerial allowances, details of the consultants employed and costs of each; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37617/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1463, 1466 and 1469 together.
1464. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
the gross annual salary costs for her private and constituency offices at present; the same figures for this time last year; and the same figures for any Ministers of State in her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37521/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
The details requested by the Deputy are set out in tabular form below.
Annual Gross Salary (exclusive of PRSI and superannuation costs) | ||
|---|---|---|
Minister's Private Office | Minister's Constituency Office | |
| September 2011 | €389,491 | €140,069 |
| September 2012 | €398,616 | €143,284 |
1465. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
if she will detail in tabular form, the amount paid on external public relations and communications consultants since February 2011; the reason for the payment; the name of each organisation used; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37537/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
As my Department was established on the 2nd June 2011 information is provided from that date.
| Name of Consultants | Reason | Amount Paid |
|---|---|---|
| MKC Communications | Services to Assist with Information Initiatives and Communication on the Programme for Change for Children | €6,500 |
Question No. 1466 answered with Question No. 1463.
Question No. 1467 answered with Question No. 1462
1468. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
the amount spent by her Department on drivers and Ministerial transport since February 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37585/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
In line with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform guidelines on Ministerial appointments, I employ two civilian drivers on a week on/week off basis to drive my private car on official business. Approximately €92,000 has been spent on civilian drivers salaries and subsistence claims for the period concerned. In addition, milage claims totalling €19,084 in respect of the use of my personal car on official business have been paid.
Question No. 1469 answered with Question No.1463.
1470. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
her plans to introduce vetting in respect of persons taking charge of foster children; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
1461. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
the amount spent on hair and make-up by her Department since she came to office; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37472/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
No costs have been incurred by my Department for the provision of hair and make-up services since my appointment as Minister for Children and Youth Affairs.
1462. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
the number and names of all special advisers, special press advisers, or any other type of Ministerial adviser in her Department; the name of the Minister / Minister of State to whom she reports; the salary of each advisor now; the salary of each advisor at the time they were appointed; if any salary increase was asked for; if this was granted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37488/12]
1467. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
the political activities of each special adviser, special press advisers, or any other type of Ministerial adviser in her Department; if any of them were members of a political party; if so the parties to which they belonged; if any of them are or have been elected local authority members; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37569/12]
1490. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
the names of special advisors for whom salary increases have been requested; the amount requested; the details of those granted increases and the amount by which they were increased; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40017/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
1463. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
if she will provide detail in tabular form, the names of all external public relations and consultancy persons and organisations used by her Department for the years 2011 and 2010; the amount paid to each; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37504/12]
1466. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
if she will detail in tabular form, the amount paid to consultants since February 2011; the name of each organisation used; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37553/12]
1469. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
the total amount spent since February 2011 on external reports commissioned by her Department, including payments from Ministerial allowances, details of the consultants employed and costs of each; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37617/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1463, 1466 and 1469 together.
1464. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
the gross annual salary costs for her private and constituency offices at present; the same figures for this time last year; and the same figures for any Ministers of State in her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37521/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
1465. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
if she will detail in tabular form, the amount paid on external public relations and communications consultants since February 2011; the reason for the payment; the name of each organisation used; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37537/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
Question No. 1466 answered with Question No. 1463.
Question No. 1467 answered with Question No. 1462
1468. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
the amount spent by her Department on drivers and Ministerial transport since February 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37585/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
In line with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform guidelines on Ministerial appointments, I employ two civilian drivers on a week on/week off basis to drive my private car on official business. Approximately €92,000 has been spent on civilian drivers salaries and subsistence claims for the period concerned. In addition, milage claims totalling €19,084 in respect of the use of my personal car on official business have been paid.
Question No. 1469 answered with Question No.1463.
1470. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
her plans to introduce vetting in respect of persons taking charge of foster children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37640/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
Under the Child Care Act, 1991 the Health Service Executive has a statutory duty to promote the welfare of children who are not receiving adequate care and protection. The majority of children in care are in foster care, one third of whom are placed with relatives. Foster care applicants undergo an assessment and training process to establish their suitability and competence. This process has six stages Application, Assessment by a social worker, Garda vetting, medical and referenced checks, including garda checks of adult children of the foster carers living at home, Approval by the Fostering Committee, Approval of the ‘match’ between the foster carers with the Care Plan of the prospective child. Placement of a child with the foster carers.
1471. Deputy Nicky McFadden
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
if he will provide an update on the position of a family resource centre (details supplied) in County Westmeath in the context of a reduction in funding from the family support agency; if he will provide a commitment to protect front line services provided by family resource centres nationally, particularly those services targeted at the most vulnerable families; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37695/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
The Family Resource Centre in question has been funded by the Family Support Agency, under the Family & Community Services Resource Centre Programme since 2005. From 2008 to 2011 the budget allocation provided was to cover the cost of a full time Co-ordinator, a part-time Development Worker and a part-time Administrator. The Family Support Agency, like all other State bodies, has been asked to make savings across all the programmes which it administers. Expected savings over the period 2012 – 2014 are set out in the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure. Effective from April 2012 the budget allocation for this particular Family Resource Centre is estimated at €105,000 to include recent adjustments relating to the appropriate salary payable to two recent appointees.
1472. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
the position regarding a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [37719/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy with the most up-to-date information.
1473. Deputy Nicky McFadden
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
when the fifth annual report of the Special Rapporteur on Children willl be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37739/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
The 2011 Report of the Special Rapporteur for Child Protection, Dr. Geoffrey Shannon was published on the 24th July 2012. The report is available on the websites of the Oireachtas (www.oireachtas.ie) and of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs (www.dcya.ie). The report is a wide ranging report and makes a series of recommendations in relation to child protection and the criminal justice system. The Report identifies a number of key areas in which the Government, and the DCYA, have already made substantial reforms; and a series of issues which will be addressed in the forthcoming Children’s Referendum. The key message in this report is that we must continue to implement our ongoing reform agenda for children and families.
1474. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
if she will supply a list of all Labour Court recommendations that have been issued in respect of her Department and organisations under her aegis that have not been complied with in full; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37748/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
My Department was established on 2nd June 2012 and since then no such Labour Court recommendations have been issued.
1475. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
the position regarding recruiting persons with a disability; the number of persons currently employed in her Department; the number of persons with a disability that have been employed since 1 January 2011 to date in 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37832/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
My Department operates in accordance with the Disability Act 2005 and the Code of Practice for the Employment of People with a Disability in the Irish Civil Service to promote, support and annually report on the employment by it of persons with disabilities. Direct recruitment to my Department is conducted through the Public Appointments Service, which operates a policy of equality of opportunity and selection on merit by means of fair and open competition in accordance with the Codes of Practice published by the Commission for Public Service Appointments. There are currently 143 people employed at my Department (130.36 whole time equivalents. Of these, 5.6% have declared themselves as having a disability.
1476. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
the reason for the 45% reduction in funding from the Family Support Agency for an agency (details supplied) in Galway; if this decision will be reviewed in view of the important work being done by this organisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37954/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
The organisation is question provides a professional counselling psychology service for adults in a community based setting that is accessible to people from marginalised and disadvantaged communities. It also provides counselling services for individuals, couples, families and groups. In addition, it provides clinical supervision and training in the psychology of counselling and supervised placement for trainee counsellors. They are also a resource for voluntary agencies in the local community addressing a wide range of social and psychological issues.
1477. Deputy Paudie Coffey
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
her plans to introduce another round of capital grants for montessori's, creches, preschools and child-care facilities in 2013; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38224/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
In Budget 2012, the Government announced capital funding of €6m to fund a maintenance programme for childcare facilities. The aim of the funding is to provide support to childcare settings to address remedial, maintenance and renovation work, or to purchase equipment. Following a robust appraisal and review process, 295 applications have been approved for funding. The successful applications were those that represented the most complete, coherent, precise and compelling cases for funding. It is not possible, prior to the conclusion of the Estimates and Budgetary Process for 2013, to determine whether capital funding will be made available to my Department under December's Budget.
1478. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
the position regarding the approval of the early childhood care and education scheme for a child care facility (details supplied) in County Laois; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38227/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
Applications from childcare providers who wish to participate in the the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme are submitted, in the first instance, to the relevant City/County Childcare Committee. The deadline for the receipt of such applications this year was 31st March. I understand that the childcare service referred to by the Deputy submitted an application after this date and was therefore too late to be considered for the school year commencing in September 2012. The childcare service should contact Laois County Childcare Committee early next year if they wish to be considered for inclusion in the ECCE programme from September 2013.
1479. Deputy Jack Wall
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
when the Adoption Authority of Ireland will start processing adoptions from India; when will an agent be appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38378/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
Adoptions between Ireland and India must comply with the terms and conditions of the 1993 Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption. The Hague Convention is a co-operative agreement drawn up to allow countries to mutually support one another in protecting the best interests of children in the intercountry adoption process. The Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI) is the Central Authority with responsibility for overseeing standards in respect of the adoption process taking place within this jurisdiction.
1480. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
if a case conference has been held in relation to the cases of persons (details supplied) in County Meath; if no case conference was held the reason for same; and if the Health Service Executive have sought legal advice on this case. [38477/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy with the most up-to-date information.
1481. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
the amount of money spent on an annual basis on education and training of staff in 2011 and to date in 2012; the number of staff that availed of each course; if she will provide a list of the courses staff undertook and the cost of each course per person. [38480/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
As a relatively new and small Department with a significant body of work to conduct over the next few years I am very much aware of the key role that education, training and development of staff will play in order to help achieve comprehensive reform of services and protection for children. An education and training strategy is currently under development in my Department and we intend becoming an organisation that values and encourages life-long learning.
1482. Deputy Dominic Hannigan
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
if she will outline, in tabular form, both the number and the percentage of women and men on State boards under the aegis of her Department in each of the past ten years; if she will provide the most up-to-date figures available regarding the number and percentage of women and men on State boards under the aegis of her Department in 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38852/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
I would like to inform the Deputy there are four agencies which are funded by the Exchequer through my Department's Vote. These are the Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI); the Family Support Agency (FSA); the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) and the Ombudsman for Children. With effect from 1 January 2012, I have taken responsibility for the Children Detention Schools as provided in Part 10 of the Children Act 2001.
Apart from the Ombudsman for Children's Office which does not have a board, I am responsible for all Board of Management appointments. In making my decisions on appointments to Boards, subject to the governing legislation, I consider the most suitable persons for the positions available with due regard to the body or agency in question and its particular responsibilities and I seek to ensure that the appropriate mix of skills and experience is in place to achieve the best result.
The Deputy should note that this Department was established on 2nd June, 2011 and therefore I am not in a position to provide information in respect of my Department over the last ten years and could not compile such without a disproportionate use of my Department’s staff resources. I have however set out in tabular format below the current status of the State boards under my remit and the percentage of participation of women and men in each one.
| Name of Board | Current State Board Membership | Men % of total | Women % of total |
|---|---|---|---|
National Educational Welfare Board | 13 | 6 (46%) | 7 (54%) |
Family Support Agency | 11 | 2 (18%) | 9 (82%) |
Adoption Authority of Ireland | 6 | 1 (17%) | 5 (83%) |
Children Detention Schools | 11 | 7 (64%) | 4 (36%) |
1483. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
if she will list the residential child care centres in Dublin North East; the number of young persons in each of these centres; the budget allocation for each; and the proportion for staff salaries. [38922/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy with the most up-to-date information.
1484. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
the reasons the Health Service Executive made the decision to close a children's residential unit in Dublin Central (details supplied); if her attention has been drawn to of the valuable service this unit has provided for children and families in the area; if the staff will be redeployed in the north inner city community as other community based projects are understaffed due to recent retirements; if an adequate timeframe will be granted to long-staying children of the residential unit to facilitate a fair transition process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38924/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
I am advised by the HSE that it has decided to close the Children's Residential Centre in question, following concerns about building standards that were raised by HIQA. The HSE met with staff and advised them of the decision. They will be offered the opportunity to continue to work in residential care or to work in the community in access or aftercare in line with the provisions of the Croke Park Public Services Agreement. The transition of the young people in the unit will be managed in an appropriate manner having regard to their needs.
1485. Deputy Catherine Murphy
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
the details of projects receiving National Lottery funding through her Department since the creation of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38944/12]
1478. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
the position regarding the approval of the early childhood care and education scheme for a child care facility (details supplied) in County Laois; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38227/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
Applications from childcare providers who wish to participate in the the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme are submitted, in the first instance, to the relevant City/County Childcare Committee. The deadline for the receipt of such applications this year was 31st March. I understand that the childcare service referred to by the Deputy submitted an application after this date and was therefore too late to be considered for the school year commencing in September 2012. The childcare service should contact Laois County Childcare Committee early next year if they wish to be considered for inclusion in the ECCE programme from September 2013.
1479. Deputy Jack Wall
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
when the Adoption Authority of Ireland will start processing adoptions from India; when will an agent be appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38378/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
Adoptions between Ireland and India must comply with the terms and conditions of the 1993 Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption. The Hague Convention is a co-operative agreement drawn up to allow countries to mutually support one another in protecting the best interests of children in the intercountry adoption process. The Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI) is the Central Authority with responsibility for overseeing standards in respect of the adoption process taking place within this jurisdiction.
1480. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
if a case conference has been held in relation to the cases of persons (details supplied) in County Meath; if no case conference was held the reason for same; and if the Health Service Executive have sought legal advice on this case. [38477/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy with the most up-to-date information.
1481. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
the amount of money spent on an annual basis on education and training of staff in 2011 and to date in 2012; the number of staff that availed of each course; if she will provide a list of the courses staff undertook and the cost of each course per person. [38480/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
As a relatively new and small Department with a significant body of work to conduct over the next few years I am very much aware of the key role that education, training and development of staff will play in order to help achieve comprehensive reform of services and protection for children. An education and training strategy is currently under development in my Department and we intend becoming an organisation that values and encourages life-long learning.
1482. Deputy Dominic Hannigan
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
if she will outline, in tabular form, both the number and the percentage of women and men on State boards under the aegis of her Department in each of the past ten years; if she will provide the most up-to-date figures available regarding the number and percentage of women and men on State boards under the aegis of her Department in 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38852/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
1483. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
if she will list the residential child care centres in Dublin North East; the number of young persons in each of these centres; the budget allocation for each; and the proportion for staff salaries. [38922/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy with the most up-to-date information.
1484. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
the reasons the Health Service Executive made the decision to close a children's residential unit in Dublin Central (details supplied); if her attention has been drawn to of the valuable service this unit has provided for children and families in the area; if the staff will be redeployed in the north inner city community as other community based projects are understaffed due to recent retirements; if an adequate timeframe will be granted to long-staying children of the residential unit to facilitate a fair transition process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38924/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
I am advised by the HSE that it has decided to close the Children's Residential Centre in question, following concerns about building standards that were raised by HIQA. The HSE met with staff and advised them of the decision. They will be offered the opportunity to continue to work in residential care or to work in the community in access or aftercare in line with the provisions of the Croke Park Public Services Agreement. The transition of the young people in the unit will be managed in an appropriate manner having regard to their needs.
1485. Deputy Catherine Murphy
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
the details of projects receiving National Lottery funding through her Department since the creation of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38944/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
1486. Deputy Terence Flanagan
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
the options open to schools and coordinators if funding for the school completion programme is cut; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38978/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
The School Completion Programme (SCP) is one of three service strands, which also includes the Home School Community Liaison and the Education Welfare Service, integrated under the remit of the National Educational welfare Board (NEWB). The SCP aims to retain young people in the formal education system to completion of senior cycle and to generally improve the quality of attendance, participation and retention in school of its target cohort. The SCP is a key programme under the DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) action plan.
1487. Deputy Anne Ferris
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
her views on establishing a statutory inquiry on adoptions from Ireland to the U.S.A. in the 1950's and 1960's; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39062/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
I have received no proposals on this matter.
1488. Deputy Anne Ferris
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
the steps she is taking to ensure that State boards have at least 40% of each gender, as provided for in the Programme for Government; the percentage at present; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39148/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
1489. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
if she will provide a list of the payments made by the State to private land owners in 2010 and 2011 to acquire land for use in the public capital programme. [40006/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
The Deputy might note that no payments were made by my Department since its establishment in June 2011 to private land owners for the purposes of acquiring land for use in the public capital programme.
Question No. 1490 answered with Question No. 1462.
1491. Deputy Gerald Nash
asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
the number of appointments that have been made to positions available on the boards of semi-State companies and statutory agencies following public advertisement; if she will provide details of the names of persons who have been appointed under this initiative and the agencies on which they now sit [40030/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
1492. Deputy Robert Troy
asked the Minister for Health
if he has a strategy in place to tackle youth alcoholism; if his attention has been drawn to the mental health damage being inflicted on children as a result of alcohol consumption; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36994/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
My World Survey, Ireland's first comprehensive national study of youth mental health which was launched on 16th May by Headstrong - The National Centre for Youth Mental Health and UCD School of Psychology tracks evidence of the damaging link between drinking behaviour and mental health in young people.
1493. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan
asked the Minister for Health
if he will examine the case of a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon who was refused a motorised transport grant. [37189/12]
1495. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan
asked the Minister for Health
the reason a person (details supplied) who suffered a very bad fracture and will have permanent nerve damage, was refused a motorised transport grant, even though the fulfil all the criteria needed for this grant including living in a remote area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37636/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1493 and 1495 together.
1494. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding a medical card refusal in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37199/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
: Question No. 1495 answered with Question No. 1493.
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald):
I would like to inform the Deputy there are four agencies which are funded by the Exchequer through my Department's Vote. These are the Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI); the Family Support Agency (FSA); the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) and the Ombudsman for Children. With effect from 1 January 2012, I have taken responsibility for the Children Detention Schools (CDS) as provided in Part 10 of the Children Act 2001.
Apart from the Ombudsman for Children's Office which does not have a board, I am responsible for all Board of Management appointments. In line with the Government Decision of April 2011, on my Department's website I have invited expressions of interest from persons interested in being appointed to the boards of State Bodies and Agencies operating under the Department's aegis. The notice indicates the vacancies in the boards of the respective bodies. My officials acknowledge all expressions of interest received and maintain a database of those expressions.
In making my decisions on appointments to Boards, subject to the governing legislation, I consider the most suitable persons for the positions available with due regard to the body or agency in question and its particular responsibilities and I seek to ensure that the appropriate mix of skills and experience is in place to achieve the best result. My Department’s website is monitored and updated on a regular basis to reflect the number of vacancies as they arise.
Since my appointment on 9th March, 2011 I have made 33 appointments to Boards of Management under the aegis of my Department. Of the total amount of appointments to the Boards, I can confirm that there have been 8 appointments to the Board of the NEWB, 13 appointments to the Board of the FSA, 1 appointment to the Board of the AAI and 11 appointments to the Board of the CDS. I have set out on tabular format below, the names of persons whom I have appointed to the boards which come under the aegis of my Department.
National Educational Welfare Board
| Board Member |
|---|
| Nuala Doherty (Chair) |
| Brendan Broderick |
| Catherine Connery |
| Marian Jennings |
| Eamonn Flynn |
| Bob Dowling |
| Ruairí Gogan |
| Mary Donnelly |
| Board Member |
|---|
| Joe Horan (Chair) |
| Gerard McKiernan |
| Ursula Kilkelly |
| Diego Gallagher |
| Sylda Langford |
| Pat Rooney |
| Elizabeth Howard |
| Colin Fetherston |
| Barry Rooney |
| Deirdre Keyes |
| Dan Kelleher |
| Board Member |
|---|
| Sharon Foley (Chair) |
| Caroline Murphy |
| Dick Hickey |
| Dr. John Griffin |
| Marie Fenlon |
| Liz Chaloner |
| Nuala Ryan |
| Catherine Hazlett (Resigned in 2011) |
| Yvette O’Malley (Resigned in 2011) |
| Marie Dullea |
| Catherine Downey Murphy |
| Imelda Martin |
| Dr. Nollaig Byrne |
| Board Member |
|---|
| Dr. Imelda Ryan |
1492. Deputy Robert Troy
asked the Minister for Health
if he has a strategy in place to tackle youth alcoholism; if his attention has been drawn to the mental health damage being inflicted on children as a result of alcohol consumption; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36994/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
My World Survey, Ireland's first comprehensive national study of youth mental health which was launched on 16th May by Headstrong - The National Centre for Youth Mental Health and UCD School of Psychology tracks evidence of the damaging link between drinking behaviour and mental health in young people.
1493. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan
asked the Minister for Health
if he will examine the case of a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon who was refused a motorised transport grant. [37189/12]
1495. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan
asked the Minister for Health
the reason a person (details supplied) who suffered a very bad fracture and will have permanent nerve damage, was refused a motorised transport grant, even though the fulfil all the criteria needed for this grant including living in a remote area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37636/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1493 and 1495 together.
1494. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding a medical card refusal in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37199/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1496. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Health
if any weaknesses in the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services have been identified over recent years; the extent to which new demands are not being met on time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37890/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
A special allocation of €35 million for mental health was provided in Budget 2012 in line with commitments in the Programme for Government. Funding from this special allocation will be used primarily to strengthen Community Mental Health Teams in both Adult and Children’s mental health services by ensuring, at a minimum, that at least one of each mental health professional discipline is represented on every team.
1497. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Health
his views on a matter relating to bowel cancer screening programme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38155/12]
1512. Deputy Pat Deering
asked the Minister for Health
if bowel cancer screening will commence before the end of 2012 as committed and if necessary funding and facilities are available to ensure it's success. [37050/12]
1520. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Health
if the National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme will be sufficiently funded and available to all who need it by the end of 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37060/12]
1606. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
asked the Minister for Health
his plans to ensure that adequate capacity is in place to facilitate the rollout of the national cancer screening programme in 2012; that the bowel cancer screening programme is extended to people aged 55 to 74 years; that multi-annual funding is in place to support the programme by the end of 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37146/12]
1607. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan
asked the Minister for Health
if he will ensure that multi-annual, long-term funding is in place in order that the bowel cancer screening programme will be delivered to all who need it by the end of 2012; if he will ensure that the introduction of screening does not jeopardise endoscopy services for symptomatic patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37147/12]
1701. Deputy Ciara Conway
asked the Minister for Health
if he will prioritise bowel cancer screening post 2012; if he will confirm that this screening programme will be extended to cover people in the 55 to 74 age group and if he will confirm a timeframe for the same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38100/12]
1702. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
if he will support bowel cancer screening as a matter of priority [38116/12]
1728. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Health
the funding available in 2012 for the bowel cancer screening programme; if this is sufficient to meet the targets of this programme; if funding will continue to be available to ensure screening is available for all persons aged 55-74 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38279/12]
1757. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan
asked the Minister for Health
the numbers of persons that die annually from bowel related illnesses including cancer; his plans to introduce a national bowel cancer screening programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38458/12]
1770. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton
asked the Minister for Health
his plans in relation to the introduction of the first phase of the bowel cancer screening programme; and if plans exist to make the screening available to all persons aged 55 to 74; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38625/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1497, 1512, 1520, 1606, 1607, 1701, 1702, 1728, 1757 and 1770 together.
1498. Deputy Denis Naughten
asked the Minister for Health
the steps he has taken to ensure that all agency staff in hospital settings are receiving EU agency workers directive pay and that all back monies due have been paid; if he will confirm that there will be no further withholding of pay due to staff, either Health Service Executive directly employed or agency recruited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38166/12]
1508. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Health
if as a result of budget constraints some Health Service Executive staff are no longer rostered to work on weekends and that instead agency staff are hired to plug these gaps; what are the cost/saving implications of measures such as these. [37045/12]
1496. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Health
if any weaknesses in the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services have been identified over recent years; the extent to which new demands are not being met on time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37890/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
A special allocation of €35 million for mental health was provided in Budget 2012 in line with commitments in the Programme for Government. Funding from this special allocation will be used primarily to strengthen Community Mental Health Teams in both Adult and Children’s mental health services by ensuring, at a minimum, that at least one of each mental health professional discipline is represented on every team.
1497. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Health
his views on a matter relating to bowel cancer screening programme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38155/12]
1512. Deputy Pat Deering
asked the Minister for Health
if bowel cancer screening will commence before the end of 2012 as committed and if necessary funding and facilities are available to ensure it's success. [37050/12]
1520. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Health
if the National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme will be sufficiently funded and available to all who need it by the end of 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37060/12]
1606. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
asked the Minister for Health
his plans to ensure that adequate capacity is in place to facilitate the rollout of the national cancer screening programme in 2012; that the bowel cancer screening programme is extended to people aged 55 to 74 years; that multi-annual funding is in place to support the programme by the end of 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37146/12]
1607. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan
asked the Minister for Health
if he will ensure that multi-annual, long-term funding is in place in order that the bowel cancer screening programme will be delivered to all who need it by the end of 2012; if he will ensure that the introduction of screening does not jeopardise endoscopy services for symptomatic patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37147/12]
1701. Deputy Ciara Conway
asked the Minister for Health
if he will prioritise bowel cancer screening post 2012; if he will confirm that this screening programme will be extended to cover people in the 55 to 74 age group and if he will confirm a timeframe for the same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38100/12]
1702. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
if he will support bowel cancer screening as a matter of priority [38116/12]
1728. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Health
the funding available in 2012 for the bowel cancer screening programme; if this is sufficient to meet the targets of this programme; if funding will continue to be available to ensure screening is available for all persons aged 55-74 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38279/12]
1757. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan
asked the Minister for Health
the numbers of persons that die annually from bowel related illnesses including cancer; his plans to introduce a national bowel cancer screening programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38458/12]
1770. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton
asked the Minister for Health
his plans in relation to the introduction of the first phase of the bowel cancer screening programme; and if plans exist to make the screening available to all persons aged 55 to 74; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38625/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1497, 1512, 1520, 1606, 1607, 1701, 1702, 1728, 1757 and 1770 together.
1498. Deputy Denis Naughten
asked the Minister for Health
the steps he has taken to ensure that all agency staff in hospital settings are receiving EU agency workers directive pay and that all back monies due have been paid; if he will confirm that there will be no further withholding of pay due to staff, either Health Service Executive directly employed or agency recruited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38166/12]
1508. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Health
if as a result of budget constraints some Health Service Executive staff are no longer rostered to work on weekends and that instead agency staff are hired to plug these gaps; what are the cost/saving implications of measures such as these. [37045/12]
1551. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
if he expects agency costs to be reduced by 50% this year; the revised saving to be achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37091/12]
1552. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
if he expects agency costs to be reduced by 50% this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37092/12]
1672. Deputy Nicky McFadden
asked the Minister for Health
if he will review the use of agency staff within the Health Service Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37785/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1498, 1508, 1551, 1552 and 1672 together.
1499. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh
asked the Minister for Health
if there is a scheme available to compensate community reps for attending drugs task force meetings which are often held during working hours and that many community representatives have to take time off work to attend; and if so which drugs task forces operate it and the fee payable to those attending meetings on behalf of their community. [38195/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
The Local and Regional Drugs Task Force Handbook, which is available on my Department's website, outlines the supports available for Community Sector representatives on Drugs Task Forces. The operational or administrative budgets of Drugs Task Forces include provision for the travel, subsistence expenses and family care costs of Community Sector representatives who attend regional, national and network meetings as part of their Task Force role. In relation to fees payable, the underlying principle governing the membership of the Drugs Task Forces by community representatives is that they do so on a voluntary basis. Therefore, payments by way of salary, fee payments or loss of earnings or for giving up their own time to attend meetings are ineligible for funding.
1500. Deputy Joan Collins
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding the cut in funding of day service and transport in Cheeverstown, Airton Road, Tallaght, Dublin 12.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38420/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1501. Deputy Brian Stanley
asked the Minister for Health
his plans to provide extra supports or increased capitation for children with Down's Syndrome during the pre-school year. [38565/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1502. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan
asked the Minister for Health
if there is funding available in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford whose child has a number of disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38692/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
The Revenue Commissioners operate a Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Tax Concessions Scheme, whereby a family member of a disabled passenger can qualify for tax relief linked to the purchase of vehicles, provided he/she is living with and is responsible for the transport of the disabled person in question, has acquired the vehicle for that purpose and the disabled passenger is the holder of a Primary Medical Certificate. Applications for Primary Medical Certificates are processed by the Health Service Executive (HSE) through local health offices. With regard to the other circumstances raised by the Deputy which are related to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE, for a direct reply to the Deputy
1503. Deputy Eoghan Murphy
asked the Minister for Health
further to Parliamentary Question No. 168 of 30 June 2011, if the Labour Court recommendation in relation to the inclusion of senior staff nursing increments under the moratorium has been considered by his Department. [37036/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
Following consideration of this matter, officials of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, my Department and the HSE have met the nursing unions and confirmed that Senior Staff Nurse appointments are considered promotions and are therefore prohibited by the public service moratorium introduced in March 2009.
1504. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Health
the number of insulin pumps now in operation at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda. [37041/12]
1505. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Health
the time frame for children to be fitted with insulin pumps at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, County Louth [37042/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1504 and 1505 together.
1506. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Health
when a person (details supplied) in County Louth will be fitted with an insulin pump. [37043/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1507. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Health
if a care provider (details supplied) in County Louth was engaged by the Health Service Executive to train staff; the reason the training was outsourced; its cost; and his views on whether such practices are cost effective considering that most HSE training takes place within HSE facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37044/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Question No. 1508 answered with Question No. 1498.
1509. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton
asked the Minister for Health
his plans regarding the appointment of occupational therapists to serve the Galway/ Roscommon area as there has been no meaningful occupational therapy service in the region for three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37047/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1510. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Health
if and when a medical card will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37048/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1511. Deputy Pat Deering
asked the Minister for Health
when will persons with long term illnesses receive their medical cards as announced in Budget 2012. [37049/12]
1718. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh
asked the Minister for Health
if he will extend free General Practitioner visits to long term illness card holders this year [38202/12]
1796. Deputy Simon Harris
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding the policy to provide free general practitioner care to citizens; when the first phase of this plan which will involve free GP care being provided to patients with long-term illnesses will be progressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38843/12]
1812. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
asked the Minister for Health
when free general practitioner visits will be extended to long term illness card holders; and if he will expedite the measure [38942/12]
1823. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan
asked the Minister for Health
further to the announcement in Budget 2012, the current status of the extension of free general practitioner care to all claimants of medicines under the long term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39077/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1511, 1718, 1796, 1812 and 1823 together.
1513. Deputy Pat Deering
asked the Minister for Health
the reason declaration 69/2008 of the European Parliament calling for the European Union to recognise Fibromyalgia has not been adopted here. [37051/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
Fibromyalgia is a distinct condition under the international classification of diseases which is the international standard by which diseases are classified and is accepted by Ireland and is endorsed by the World Health Organisation. Ireland’s recognition of fibromyalgia as a distinct condition is in compliance with the European Parliament declaration 69/2008 on fibromyalgia which called on the European Union to recognise fibromyalgia as a disease.
1514. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan
asked the Minister for Health
the reason the new Air Ambulance is to be located at Baldonnel Aerodrome, Dublin, rather than at Athlone which is geographically closer to the centre of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37053/12]
1539. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
when he expects the air ambulance service to be fully operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37079/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1514 and 1539 together.
1515. Deputy Terence Flanagan
asked the Minister for Health
the action plan that has been put in place regarding the implementation of the carer's strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37054/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
The National Carers’ Strategy, which was published in July, sets the strategic direction for future policies, services and supports provided by Government Departments and agencies for carers. It sets out a Vision to work towards and an ambitious set of National Goals and Objectives to guide policy development and service delivery to ensure that carers feel valued and supported to manage their caring responsibilities with confidence and are empowered to have a life of their own outside of caring. The Strategy also contains a Roadmap for Implementation, which outlines the Actions that will be taken to deliver on the Goals and Objectives of the Strategy. The Roadmap also outlines the timelines and the Department with responsibility for their implementation.
1516. Deputy Tom Fleming
asked the Minister for Health
if he will include Behcet's Syndrome on the list of long term illnesses. [37056/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the Long Term Illness Scheme. Under the Drug Payment Scheme, no individual or family pays more than €132 per calendar month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines. In addition, people who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be entitled to a medical card. In the assessment process, the Health Service Executive can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family. Those who are not eligible for a medical card may still be able to avail of a GP visit card, which covers the cost of general practice consultation.
1517. Deputy Brendan Griffin
asked the Minister for Health
when a claim for medical expenses will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37057/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1518. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Health
`the total cost of patient transport in the Health Service Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37058/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1519. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Health
if he will consider transferring responsibility for the provision of hospital patient transport to the providers of the rural transport programme, as this might result in considerable savings in the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37059/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
The cost of non-emergency patient transport, in particular for outpatient (OPD) appointments, has been escalating in recent years and non-essential provision has been identified as an area suitable for budgetary control. Accordingly, criteria have been restricted considerably in recent times and a uniform approach is being rolled out across the health regions.
Question No. 1520 answered with Question No. 1497.
1521. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Health
If he will respond to correspondence regarding private health insurance (details supplied) [37061/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
I am concerned private health insurance is becoming increasingly harder to afford, particularly for older people. I am strongly committed to protecting the principle of Community Rating in the private health insurance market. Community Rating means that the level of risk that a particular consumer poses to an insurer does not directly affect the premium paid. It also means that premiums for younger or healthier lives are typically higher that their expected claims would require, whereas for older or less healthy lives, premiums are typically lower than the expected claims would require. It is also useful to note that older people who have been paying health insurance premiums for many years will have supported the older generation when they were younger and could reasonably expect to benefit in a similar way as they themselves now become older. The Health Insurance Authority (HIA) is the independent regulator of the private health insurance market in Ireland and provides information to consumers regarding their rights and health insurance plans and benefits. The HIA's website is www.hia.ie and has a very useful plan comparison tool which may assist in finding the most suitable and competitive health insurance plan to meet one's needs.
1513. Deputy Pat Deering
asked the Minister for Health
the reason declaration 69/2008 of the European Parliament calling for the European Union to recognise Fibromyalgia has not been adopted here. [37051/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
Fibromyalgia is a distinct condition under the international classification of diseases which is the international standard by which diseases are classified and is accepted by Ireland and is endorsed by the World Health Organisation. Ireland’s recognition of fibromyalgia as a distinct condition is in compliance with the European Parliament declaration 69/2008 on fibromyalgia which called on the European Union to recognise fibromyalgia as a disease.
1514. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan
asked the Minister for Health
the reason the new Air Ambulance is to be located at Baldonnel Aerodrome, Dublin, rather than at Athlone which is geographically closer to the centre of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37053/12]
1539. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
when he expects the air ambulance service to be fully operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37079/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1514 and 1539 together.
1515. Deputy Terence Flanagan
asked the Minister for Health
the action plan that has been put in place regarding the implementation of the carer's strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37054/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
The National Carers’ Strategy, which was published in July, sets the strategic direction for future policies, services and supports provided by Government Departments and agencies for carers. It sets out a Vision to work towards and an ambitious set of National Goals and Objectives to guide policy development and service delivery to ensure that carers feel valued and supported to manage their caring responsibilities with confidence and are empowered to have a life of their own outside of caring. The Strategy also contains a Roadmap for Implementation, which outlines the Actions that will be taken to deliver on the Goals and Objectives of the Strategy. The Roadmap also outlines the timelines and the Department with responsibility for their implementation.
1516. Deputy Tom Fleming
asked the Minister for Health
if he will include Behcet's Syndrome on the list of long term illnesses. [37056/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the Long Term Illness Scheme. Under the Drug Payment Scheme, no individual or family pays more than €132 per calendar month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines. In addition, people who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be entitled to a medical card. In the assessment process, the Health Service Executive can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family. Those who are not eligible for a medical card may still be able to avail of a GP visit card, which covers the cost of general practice consultation.
1517. Deputy Brendan Griffin
asked the Minister for Health
when a claim for medical expenses will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37057/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1518. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Health
`the total cost of patient transport in the Health Service Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37058/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1519. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Health
if he will consider transferring responsibility for the provision of hospital patient transport to the providers of the rural transport programme, as this might result in considerable savings in the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37059/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
The cost of non-emergency patient transport, in particular for outpatient (OPD) appointments, has been escalating in recent years and non-essential provision has been identified as an area suitable for budgetary control. Accordingly, criteria have been restricted considerably in recent times and a uniform approach is being rolled out across the health regions.
Question No. 1520 answered with Question No. 1497.
1521. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Health
If he will respond to correspondence regarding private health insurance (details supplied) [37061/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
I am concerned private health insurance is becoming increasingly harder to afford, particularly for older people. I am strongly committed to protecting the principle of Community Rating in the private health insurance market. Community Rating means that the level of risk that a particular consumer poses to an insurer does not directly affect the premium paid. It also means that premiums for younger or healthier lives are typically higher that their expected claims would require, whereas for older or less healthy lives, premiums are typically lower than the expected claims would require. It is also useful to note that older people who have been paying health insurance premiums for many years will have supported the older generation when they were younger and could reasonably expect to benefit in a similar way as they themselves now become older. The Health Insurance Authority (HIA) is the independent regulator of the private health insurance market in Ireland and provides information to consumers regarding their rights and health insurance plans and benefits. The HIA's website is www.hia.ie and has a very useful plan comparison tool which may assist in finding the most suitable and competitive health insurance plan to meet one's needs.
1522. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Health
his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37062/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
Roaccutane (active substance, isotretinoin) is authorised for treating severe forms of acne which have been resistant to other standard therapies. It should only be prescribed by or under the supervision of doctors with expertise in using the product and with a full understanding of the risks of therapy and the monitoring requirements.
1523. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
when the Health and Social Care Professionals (Amendment) Bill will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37063/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
I wish to inform the Deputy that the Health and Social Care Professionals (Amendment ) Bill 2012 was published on 7th August last. The purpose of the Bill is to amend the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 to
1524. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
when the Health Service Executive Governance Bill will be published; when new directors will be appointed; if the roles will be advertised; the salary scales of new appointees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37064/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
The Health Service Executive (Governance) Bill 2012 was published on 19 July 2012. The Bill provides for the abolition of the HSE Board and the establishment of a Directorate, headed by a Director General, to be the new governing body for the HSE in place of the Board. Under the Bill, the Directorate will be chaired by a Director General and will be made up of a minimum of three and a maximum of seven members. Members will be appointed from National Director post holders.
1525. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
if he will provide in tabular form the median average wait in each hospital accident and emergency department; the number in each waiting more than 24 hours to be admitted; the number waiting more than 12 hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37065/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
I have asked the Health Service Executive for a report on the issue raised by the Deputy. I will revert to the Deputy on the matter as soon as possible.
1526. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
the amount paid to a company (details supplied) since February 2011; the reason for the payment; when his Department entered into a contract with the company; the value of the contract; the weekly hours of employment of the contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37066/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
Since February 2011, a total of €370,000, exclusive of VAT, has been paid to Value Based Solutions under two separate contracts for the services of Dr Martin Connor. The first contract covered a period of six months from 2 June 2011 to 3 November 2011 and was for a fixed price of €250,000. On 29/11/2011 Value Based Solutions was engaged for a further three-year period, commencing in December 2011 and ending in December 2014. The total value of this contract is €480,000 to be paid in 12 payments of €40,000. To date, €120,000 has been paid under this contract. Neither contract stipulates/stipulated a set weekly number of hours but rather set/s out the services that should be provided.
1527. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
the amount paid to a company (details supplied) since February 2011, the reason for the payment; when the Department entered into a contract with the company; the value of the contract; the duration of the contract; the weekly hours of employment of the contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37067/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
Since February 2011, a total of €82,000, exclusive of VAT, has been paid to the company to which the Deputy refers for services provided under a three-year contract entered into with effect from 26 March 2012. The contract is for the contracted company to provide services required to fulfil the role specified for the Director of Performance Improvement for Unscheduled Care within the Special Delivery Unit of the Department of Health. The contract is for an all-in price of €492,000 over the full duration of the contract or €164,000 per annum. The role is full time and the contractor, Ms Lis Nixon, is based in Dublin on a full time basis. Ms Nixon has an extremely impressive CV and was appointed through an open and transparent procurement process. An earlier open recruitment process failed to secure a candidate of sufficient calibre.
1528. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
the salaries and working hours of Special Delivery Unit executives; the expenses of each of these executives; if there have been any changes in these since February 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37068/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
1529. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
if any posts earmarked for community mental health services are being transferred to inpatient services; if he will rule out such a move; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37069/12]
1591. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
if recruitment of the 414 staff for mental health services, as announced in the Health Service Executive service plan 2012, has begun; the number of posts that have been filled; the number of mental health services staff that retired as part of the early retirement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37131/12]
1663. Deputy Patrick Nulty
asked the Minister for Health
if he will ensure that the promised new staff promised for community mental health services will be in place by the end of September; if he will confirm that this will include 370 staff for community mental health teams for children, adolescents and adults; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37737/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1529, 1591 and 1663 together.
1530. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
the number of staff who have retired from the Health Service Executive who have been rehired by it; if he will detail a breakdown in grades; if any such staff are on salaries in excess of €100,000; the total cost of rehiring; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37070/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
1531. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
the number of individual and of WTE agency staff by grade in the Health Service Executive and any other agencies in his Department, the total cost of employing by grade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37071/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
1532. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
the names and numbers of emergency units which will be downgraded to urgent care centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37072/12]
1533. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
the basis on which emergency units will be downgraded to urgent care centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37073/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1532 and 1533 together.
1534. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
the basis on which community hospitals and beds in community hospitals will close; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37074/12]
1555. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
if he will provide a breakdown in each community nursing unit of bed closures in the unit this year; the names of CNUs earmarked to close this year; if this is expected to change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37095/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1534 and 1555 together.
1535. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
his plans to bring all community hospitals up to Health Information and Quality Authority standards; if he has a plan for hospitals he intends not to bring up to HIQA standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37075/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1536. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
if he has received reports that the early retirement scheme impacted on frontline services, and the quality of patient care; if he will provide a breakdown on where services were affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37076/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
I have not received any reports from the HSE indicating that exits during the Grace Period impacted on frontline services or on the quality of patient care.
1537. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
if the position of independent advisor on the financial performance of the Health Service Executive was tendered for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37077/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
I assume the Deputy is referring to the independent expert from the UK who was engaged to undertake a review of the financial management of the HSE in June 2012. The rules regarding procurement, as set out in the Public Procurement Guidelines, state that a competitive process should be used unless there are justifiably exceptional circumstances. The Secretary General of my Department, who commissioned the review, took the view that such exceptional circumstances pertained in this instance, due to the deteriorating financial position of the HSE and the need to inform discussions at the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Health in early July.
1538. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
if he expects to abolish the prescription levy; the amount raised by the levy; if he has considered raising the levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37078/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
Medical card holders are required to pay a 50c charge for medicines and other prescription items supplied to them by community pharmacists, subject to a cap of €10 per month for each person or family. Charges are not payable in respect of items supplied under the Long Term Illness Scheme. Prescription charges do not apply to children in the care of the HSE or to methadone supplied to patients participating in the Methadone Treatment Scheme.
Question No. 1539 answered with Question No. 1514.
1540. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
the years from 1997 to 2011 inclusive in which his Department asked for and received a supplementary budget; the amount provided for each time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37080/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
1541. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
when he expects to make a decision on the National Children's Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37081/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As you will be aware, I established an independent Review Group to consider the implications of the decision of An Bórd Pleanála, received on 23 February 2012, to reject the planning application for the proposed construction of a national paediatric hospital on the site of the Mater Misericordiae Hospital. The aim of the Review was to consider all the possible options for the earliest possible delivery of a new children's hospital. In June, the Group presented its report, to which I have been giving careful consideration and which I intend to bring to Government shortly.
1542. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
if he will provide in tabular form the number of home care packages, home help hours, provided by county, the same figures for the same time last year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37082/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1543. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
his plans to provide staff and all other facilities to make St Francis Hospice Blanchardstown operational, Dublin; his views on whether opening the 24 bed facility is an important unused step down facility that could reduce pressure on local hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37083/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1544. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
when he expects to complete discussions on a final agreement with the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association on drug costs in addition to the interim agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37084/12]
1741. Deputy Brendan Griffin
asked the Minister for Health
the progress he has made to date in relation to achieving savings on the cost to the health service and private consumers of pharmaceutical products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38388/12]
Deputy James Reilly:
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1544 and 1741 together.
1545. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
if he will detail in tabular form the number of patients treated by the National Treatment Purchase Fund in each year since its foundation, including 2012; the categories of patient treated in each year; the cost of the NTPF in each year; where its budget has been reallocated in the years 2011 and 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37085/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
In July 2011 the Minister for Health and Children announced changes to the remit of the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) namely its role would be changed to support the mission of the Special Delivery Unit (SDU). The SDU’s priorities encompass: Emergency Departments – waiting times for admission known as trolley waits; In-patient waiting times; Out-patient waiting times; Access to diagnostics.
The NTPF’s resources were re-focused to align closely with the SDU’s work.
Budget allocation for 2012 as follows:
1. Reduction in maximum waiting times - € 40.0 million
2. Hospital outpatients - € 5.5 million
3. GI Endoscopy - € 6.0 million
4. Emergency Departments- € 10.5 million
5. Pay and non pay - € 8.6 million
1546. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
the estimated cost of implementing universal health insurance; the estimated charges being imposed on persons with and without medical insurance for UHI; the way medical card patients will be included in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37086/12]
1574. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
when he expects to publish the While Paper on Universal Health Insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37114/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1546 and 1574 together.
1547. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
the estimated cost of implementing free GP care; the expected number of patients to be affected; when he expects it to be implemented; the number of times he has met representative bodies on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37087/12]
1548. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
the estimated cost of implementing and extending free general practitioner care to those with long-term illnesses; the expected number of patients to be affected; when he expects it to be implemented; the number of times he has met representative bodies on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37088/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1547 and 1548 together.
1549. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
when cancer patients will expect to be able to receive ipilimumab; the reasons for the further delay in its provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37089/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
From 3 May, 2012 Ipilimumab has been available to all eligible patients with progressive melanoma treated in public hospitals. There have been no reported delays in relation to its provision.
1550. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
when cancer patients may expect to be able to receive Gilenya; the reasons for the further delay in its provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37090/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
Gilenya, which is used for the treament of Multiple Sclerosis, has been reimbursed on the High Tech Scheme since 1 July 2012. There is no restriction on the reimbursement of High Tech prescriptions for Gilenya which are written by Neurologists.
Questions Nos. 1551 and 1552 answered with Question No. 1508.
1553. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
the total spend on taxis in the Health Service Executive and the National Treatment Purchase Fund in each of the years 2008 to 2011; the total spend to date in 2012; the projected spend in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37093/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
1554. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
if he will provide, in tabular form, a breakdown by hospital of bed closures, theatre closures and ward closures this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37094/12]
1559. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
the total number of closed operating theatres in public hospitals around the country; if he will provide a breakdown of the hospitals affected; the number of theatres closed in each hospital; the length of time each theatre has been closed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37099/12]
1562. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
if he intends reopening closed beds following recent figures which show waiting lists have increased by 24% over the past year; and the number of closed beds he intends reopening; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37102/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1554, 1559 and 1562 together.
Question No. 1555 answered with Question No. 1534.
1556. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
the resource implications, in terms of staff, funding, and ancillary support, of implementing the recommendations of the Tallaght Hospital report in full nationwide; his plans to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37096/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
1557. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
if he has me witht the Health Service Executive, the INMO, the IMO, the INO and other organisations regarding the implications of the Tallaght Hospital report; the nature of the discussions; if any decisions were made arising from the discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37097/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
I have set up an expert group to oversee the implementation, by the HSE, of the recommendations of the Tallaght Report. This group has met a number of agencies on my behalf, and will continue to do so as appropriate. The group will report in due course.
1558. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
the actual amount of additional revenue generated by increasing charges on private patients in public hospitals; the amount projected in budget 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37098/12]
1593. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
the charges set by him in respect of inpatient and outpatient hospital care and for visiting an accident and emergency department; if these charges have changed since February 2011; if these charges will change in 2012; the revenue accruing from such charges in 2011; the anticipated income in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37133/12]
1595. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
the rate of hospital charges - inpatient, outpatient and accident and emergency; the categories of patient required to pay hospital charges; the changes in charges which took place in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37135/12]
1596. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
the anticipated income from statutory inpatient, outpatient and accident and emergency charges in 2011 and 2012 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37136/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
Question No. 1559 answered with Question No. 1554.
1560. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
if he will outline in full what he hopes to achieve from the current discussions with the consultant groups and the way this will differ to what was already agreed in the Croke Park Agreement in 2010 and also as part of the 2008 consultant contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37100/12]
1561. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
if he is committed to ensuring that consultants are rostered on a seven day week as opposed to a five day week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37101/12]
1592. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
if reductions in fees paid to hospital consultants have been accounted for in his budget estimates; the level by which they will be reduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37132/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1560, 1561 and 1592 together.
Question No. 1562 answered with Question No. 1554.
1563. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
if his Department has carried out any research or intends to carry out any research into the impact of increased numbers of patients presenting themselves in public hospitals as a result of private patients giving up their private health insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37103/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As I have previously advised the Deputy, my Department has no plans to carry out research into the impact of patients presenting in public hospitals who previously held private health insurance. In respect of access to public hospitals, the work of the Special Delivery Unit is focussed on improving waiting times for access to both scheduled and unscheduled treatments and to maximise the capacity of existing facilities to manage patient flow.
1564. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
if he will detail in tabular form the number of staff in receipt of top up pay in excess of €10,000, €50,000, €100,000, and €200,000 per hospital; the average amounts of payments; the basis for the payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37104/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
It is essential that organisations funded by the HSE to provide services on its behalf comply in full with Government policy on public service pay.
1565. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
the composition and all changes to the interim Health Service Executive board since April 2011; the roles of those on the board within the Department of Health or HSE; the corporate governance structure currently in place; when he expects HSE governance legislation to be passed; when he expects a new board to be in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37105/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
The interim HSE Board, which I established in May 2011, was designed to facilitate greater coordination and integration between the senior management teams in my Department and the HSE. The interim Board has provided a basis on which to make early progress on the health reform agenda, facilitating a greater unity of purpose. It also streamlines reporting relationships to ensure that decisions are implemented quickly and as a result, better services are delivered for patients with greater emphasis on service delivery.
1566. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
if he will provide, in tabular form, the number of customers who have left the private health insurance market by county; the average change in premiums over the past year and since budget 2012; the maximum increase in premiums over those time periods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37106/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
The Health Insurance Authority (HIA) is the statutory regulator of the private health insurance market in Ireland and provides information to consumers regarding their rights and health insurance plans and benefits. As previously outlined to the Deputy in June, the HIA does not compile figures by county on the number of customers who have left the private health insurance market. In relation to the average change in premiums, the HIA has estimated that the average premium increase per customer is 10 per cent, when comparing the second quarter of 2011 to the second quarter of 2012. The HIA points out that any figures calculated for time periods of less than one year (for example, since Budget 2012) would be distorted, as this is the time of the year that insurers normally apply price changes.
| Table 1: Membership and Term of Office of Interim HSE Board as at 18 September 2012 | |
|---|---|
| Name of Board Member | Term of Office |
| Dr. Ambrose McLoughlin (Chair), Secretary General, Department of Health - Dr. McLoughlin filled the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Mr. Michael Scanlan, former Secretary General of the Department of Health, on 25 April 2012. - Mr. Scanlan had served as Chairman from 1 January 2012. He had replaced Dr. Frank Dolphin who resigned as Chairman on 31 December 2011. Prior to his appointment as Chair, Mr. Scanlan served as an ordinary Board member from 20 May 2011 to 31 December 2011. | 26/04/2012 – 14/08/2015 |
| Mr. Tony O’Brien, Deputy CEO and Director General Designate, HSE. - Mr. O'Brien filled the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Mr. Cathal Magee as Chief Executive Officer, HSE on 20 August 2012. Mr. O’Brien was appointed Deputy CEO, HSE on 20 August 2012. | Contiguous with term of office as Deputy CEO. |
| Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health. | 20/05/2011 – 07/02/2015 |
| Mr. Paul Barron, Assistant Secretary, Primary Care & Eligibility, Department of Health. | 20/05/2011 – 07/02/2015 |
| Ms. Bairbre Nic Aongusa, Assistant Secretary, Finance, Information, EU/International, Research, Department of Health. | 20/05/2011 – 07/02/2015 |
| Ms. Frances Spillane, Assistant Secretary, National HR, Department of Health. - Ms. Spillane filled the vacancy occasioned by Mr. Michael Scanlan’s appointment as Chairperson 1 January 2012. | 09/03/2012 – 07/02/2015 |
| Mr. Jim Breslin, Secretary General, Department of Children and Youth Affairs - Mr. Breslin filled the vacancy occasioned by Mr. Pat Farrell’s resignation on 19 May 2011. | 09/03/2012 – 31/12/2012 |
| Dr. Barry White, HSE National Director, Clinical Strategy & Programmes. | 20/05/2011 – 31/12/2012 |
| Dr. Philip Crowley, HSE National Director, Quality, Risk & Clinical Care. | 20/05/2011 – 31/12/2012 |
| Ms. Laverne McGuinness, HSE National Director, Integrated Services-Performance & Financial Management. | 20/05/2011 – 31/12/2012 |
| Mr. Brian Gilroy, formerly HSE National Director, Integrated Services-Reconfiguration. - [Note: Mr. Gilroy is no longer employed by the HSE but has agreed to remain as a Board member pro tem]. | 20/05/2011 – 31/12/2012 |
| Vacancy occasioned by Mr. Tony O'Brien's appointment as Deputy CEO, HSE. - Mr. O’Brien had previously filled the Board vacancy occasioned by Dr. Martin Connor’s resignation on 8 March 2012. Dr Connor had been appointed to the Board on 6 June 2011. | Term ends 07/02/2015 |
1566. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
if he will provide, in tabular form, the number of customers who have left the private health insurance market by county; the average change in premiums over the past year and since budget 2012; the maximum increase in premiums over those time periods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37106/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
The Health Insurance Authority (HIA) is the statutory regulator of the private health insurance market in Ireland and provides information to consumers regarding their rights and health insurance plans and benefits. As previously outlined to the Deputy in June, the HIA does not compile figures by county on the number of customers who have left the private health insurance market. In relation to the average change in premiums, the HIA has estimated that the average premium increase per customer is 10 per cent, when comparing the second quarter of 2011 to the second quarter of 2012. The HIA points out that any figures calculated for time periods of less than one year (for example, since Budget 2012) would be distorted, as this is the time of the year that insurers normally apply price changes.
1567. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
when he expects the Health Amendment Bill to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37107/12]
1568. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
the issues that will be rectified in the Health Amendment Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37108/12]
1569. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
the proposed rectifications for issues identified and to be addressed by the Health Amendment Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37109/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1567, 1568 and 1569 together.
1570. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
if he will provide, in tabular form for each county or if not available each region, the average response times for ambulances in life threatening, potentially life threatening, and all other situations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37110/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
HIQA requires the National Ambulance Service (NAS) to collate and publish response times data on a national basis only. NAS does have this information available (June 2012) by its three operational areas which are set out below:
| NAS Area | ECHO First Response within 8 minutes (Target 75%) | DELTA First Response within 8 minutes (Target 75%) | ECHO Transporting Vehicle within 19 minutes (Target 80%) | DELTA Transporting Vehicle within 19 minutes (Target 80%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Leinster | 64.62% | 28.53% | 71.54% | 69.81% |
| South | 38.64% | 32.44% | 84.09% | 82.49% |
| West | 36.00% | 29.68% | 58.00% | 63.88% |
1571. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
if he intends to publish the Positive Ageing Strategy this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37111/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
The Programme for Government has committed to completing and implementing the National Positive Ageing Strategy so that older people are recognised, supported and enabled to live independent full lives. The Strategy will set the strategic direction for future policies, programmes and services for older people in Ireland. It will set out a common framework for the development of operational plans by a number of Government Departments which will clearly set out each Department’s objectives relating to older people. Mechanisms designed to monitor the implementation of measures contained in operational plans will also be included in the Strategy. However, I do not envisage that the Strategy will propose new service developments. Rather it will set the strategic direction for future policies, programmes and services for older people in Ireland. A considerable amount of preparatory work has already been completed. The drafting of the Strategy will proceed within the Department within the constraints of available staff and other priorities. At this stage I envisage that a draft of the Strategy will be brought to Government in Q4 2012.
1572. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
the steps he will take to tackle smoking in society; the rate of smoking in 2003 for men and for women; the rates now; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37112/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
The last available Slán Survey data from 2007 indicates that 29% of people report being current smokers (31% men and 27% women). The Survey does state, however, that comparisons across the years are reported with caution because of the different survey methods utilised. Data from a survey undertaken in 2010 by the National Office of Tobacco Control in the HSE indicates a prevalence rate of 23.6% (25% men and 22.2% women). My Department is planning for the establishment of a new rolling health and wellbeing survey to provide data on the health status and other health related behaviours of the Irish population, including tobacco prevalence data. This is a priority initiative for my Department and a tender competition is underway in this regard. It is intended that the first of these surveys will commence in 2013.
1573. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
if he has consulted with the IMO regarding the provision of universal GP care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37113/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
The Programme for Government provides for significant strengthening of primary care services to deliver Universal GP Care with the removal of cost as a barrier to access for patients. Universal GP Care will be achieved on a phased basis. Primary legislation is required to give effect to this commitment. Legislation to allow the Minister for Health to make regulations to extend access to GP services without fees to persons with prescribed illnesses is currently being drafted by the Attorney General's office and will be published shortly. Implementation dates and application details will be announced in due course. I have had preliminary discussions with the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) and the Irish College of General Practitioners to outline policy in this regard. I expect to engage in further discussions with GPs/IMO as soon as the legislation is published.
Question No. 1574 answered with Question No. 1546.
1575. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
if he has initiated any discussions with the National Asset Management Agency regarding the use of their buildings for primary care centres or the Minister for Justice regarding the use of unused Garda stations as primary care centres; the outcomes of those discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37115/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
The development of primary care is central to this Government's objective to deliver a high quality, integrated and cost effective health system. The Programme for Government states that primary care will be an immediate priority area. The development of primary care centres, through a combination of public and private investment, will facilitate the delivery of multi-disciplinary primary care and represents a tangible re-focussing of the health service to deliver care in the most appropriate and lowest cost setting.
1576. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
if his attention has been drawn to the fact that private insurers are designing policies to be less attractive to older persons thereby evading community rating policies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37116/12]
1567. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
when he expects the Health Amendment Bill to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37107/12]
1568. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
the issues that will be rectified in the Health Amendment Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37108/12]
1569. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
the proposed rectifications for issues identified and to be addressed by the Health Amendment Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37109/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1567, 1568 and 1569 together.
1570. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
if he will provide, in tabular form for each county or if not available each region, the average response times for ambulances in life threatening, potentially life threatening, and all other situations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37110/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
1571. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
if he intends to publish the Positive Ageing Strategy this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37111/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
The Programme for Government has committed to completing and implementing the National Positive Ageing Strategy so that older people are recognised, supported and enabled to live independent full lives. The Strategy will set the strategic direction for future policies, programmes and services for older people in Ireland. It will set out a common framework for the development of operational plans by a number of Government Departments which will clearly set out each Department’s objectives relating to older people. Mechanisms designed to monitor the implementation of measures contained in operational plans will also be included in the Strategy. However, I do not envisage that the Strategy will propose new service developments. Rather it will set the strategic direction for future policies, programmes and services for older people in Ireland. A considerable amount of preparatory work has already been completed. The drafting of the Strategy will proceed within the Department within the constraints of available staff and other priorities. At this stage I envisage that a draft of the Strategy will be brought to Government in Q4 2012.
1572. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
the steps he will take to tackle smoking in society; the rate of smoking in 2003 for men and for women; the rates now; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37112/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
The last available Slán Survey data from 2007 indicates that 29% of people report being current smokers (31% men and 27% women). The Survey does state, however, that comparisons across the years are reported with caution because of the different survey methods utilised. Data from a survey undertaken in 2010 by the National Office of Tobacco Control in the HSE indicates a prevalence rate of 23.6% (25% men and 22.2% women). My Department is planning for the establishment of a new rolling health and wellbeing survey to provide data on the health status and other health related behaviours of the Irish population, including tobacco prevalence data. This is a priority initiative for my Department and a tender competition is underway in this regard. It is intended that the first of these surveys will commence in 2013.
1573. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
if he has consulted with the IMO regarding the provision of universal GP care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37113/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
The Programme for Government provides for significant strengthening of primary care services to deliver Universal GP Care with the removal of cost as a barrier to access for patients. Universal GP Care will be achieved on a phased basis. Primary legislation is required to give effect to this commitment. Legislation to allow the Minister for Health to make regulations to extend access to GP services without fees to persons with prescribed illnesses is currently being drafted by the Attorney General's office and will be published shortly. Implementation dates and application details will be announced in due course. I have had preliminary discussions with the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) and the Irish College of General Practitioners to outline policy in this regard. I expect to engage in further discussions with GPs/IMO as soon as the legislation is published.
Question No. 1574 answered with Question No. 1546.
1575. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
if he has initiated any discussions with the National Asset Management Agency regarding the use of their buildings for primary care centres or the Minister for Justice regarding the use of unused Garda stations as primary care centres; the outcomes of those discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37115/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
The development of primary care is central to this Government's objective to deliver a high quality, integrated and cost effective health system. The Programme for Government states that primary care will be an immediate priority area. The development of primary care centres, through a combination of public and private investment, will facilitate the delivery of multi-disciplinary primary care and represents a tangible re-focussing of the health service to deliver care in the most appropriate and lowest cost setting.
1576. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
if his attention has been drawn to the fact that private insurers are designing policies to be less attractive to older persons thereby evading community rating policies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37116/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
I am concerned that private health insurance is becoming harder to afford, especially for older people, as insurers increasingly tailor their insurance plans towards younger, healthier customers. I am strongly committed to protecting community rating, whereby older and less healthy customers should pay the same amount for the same cover as younger and healthier people.
1577. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
the number of primary care centres by county in February 2011; the number now; the same figures for primary care teams in February 2011 and now; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37117/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
1578. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
if he will provide in tabular form by each hospital the number of patients who have had their operations cancelled or rescheduled since March 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37118/12]
1583. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
if he will provide in tabular form, the number of patients who have been transferred to another hospital waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37123/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1578 and 1583 together.
1579. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
the basis for which waiting list category definitions have been changed; the definition of each category in terms of recommended operation time before and after the change; the number of patients in each category before the change; the number in each category after the change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37119/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
I can confirm that to date there have been no changes to the waiting list data capture categorisation since the patient treatment register (PTR) was established in 2005. As you are aware a new target of 9 month maximum waiting time for daycase and inpatient surgery has been implemented. The challenge for 2012 is firstly to maintain the 12 month maximum waiting time target for in patient and day case procedures and then to continually improve and move to a 9 month maximum waiting time target.
1580. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
inclusive of inpatient, outpatient and elective treatment, the mean average length of time in terms of days for patients on waiting lists in March 2011; the same figure for July 2011; the figure now; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37120/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
1581. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
if he will provide in tabular form for each hospital, inclusive of inpatient, outpatient and elective treatment, the number of patients on waiting lists in March 2011 waiting for three to six months, for six to nine months, for nine to twelve months, for 12-24 months, and for longer the 24 months; the same figure for July 2011; the figure now; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37121/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
1582. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
inclusive of inpatient, outpatient and elective treatment, the length of time the longest waiter on waiting lists has been waiting, the county the person resides in; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37122/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
The National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) has advised that the longest waiter was placed on the waiting list for surgery on 5th August 2009. The patient is unsuitable for treatment in another hospital and therefore could not be referred to the NTPF. The patient previously declined one offer of a surgery date and is now scheduled for surgery on the 19th September 2012. It would be inappropriate for the NTPF to advise you of the hospital or the county that the patient resides in as this would pose a risk of that patient being identified.
Question No. 1583 answered with Question No. 1578.
1584. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
the amount of demographic funding to provide emergency placements and services for school leavers with intellectual disabilities; the same figure last year, the number of children who benefitted from the funding last year; the projected number this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37124/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
1585. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
the amount of funding provided for voluntary service providers for those with intellectual and other disabilities; the same figure last year,; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37125/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1586. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
of the €55m in additional funding allocated to the fair deal scheme, the revised extra amount which is expected to allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37126/12]
1599. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
the level of new funding available for the fair deal scheme; the number of patients waiting to be accepted onto the scheme; the mean average length of time patients are waiting to be accepted to the scheme; the level of funding in 2011; the level of funding in 2012 provided for in Budget 2012; the amount drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37139/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1586 and 1599 together.
1587. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
the number of hospital consultants earning more than €200,000 including allowances from the public health system; the number earning more than €300,000; the number earning more than €400,000; the average salary of hospital consultants; the average hours of consultants in January 2011 and in January 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37127/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
1588. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
in the context of his plans for universal health insurance, his plans for the VHI; if it will be broken up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37128/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled in September 2011 that the VHI can no longer enjoy a derogation from the requirement to be authorised by the Central Bank. Having given consideration to this judgement, the Government decided on 6 December 2011 that the Minister should proceed with all necessary steps to bring the VHI to the point of authorisation, including proceeding with a formal application for this purpose.
1589. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
if any small hospitals will be closed either as part of reconfiguration or due to budgetary measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37129/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
The organisation of hospital services locally, regionally and nationally will be informed by the ongoing development of the HSE Clinical Programmes, the work of the Strategic Board on the formation of Hospital Groups and the publication of the Small Hospitals Framework, in order to improve patient access, quality clinical outcomes and the provision of patient care in a setting which is most appropriate to patient needs. In this context, I want to ensure that as many services as possible can be provided safely and appropriately in smaller, local hospitals. The Small Hospitals Framework will demonstrate clearly that the future of smaller hospitals is secure. It will set out what services can and should be delivered safely by these hospitals in the interest of better outcomes for patients.
1590. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
the number of hospital consultants in breach of the working time directive; if he is concerned that this may impact on the safe delivery of services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37130/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
The Working Time Directive provides for a maximum average working week of 48 hours. The Directive and related case law from the European Court of Justice define working time as time spent at a place determined by the employer while performing duties on behalf of the employer. This can be summarised as time spent working or on-call on-site. Time spent on-call off-site does not count as working time.
Question No. 1591 answered with Question No. 1529.
Question No. 1592 answered with Question No. 1560.
Question No. 1593 answered with Question No. 1558.
1594. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
the total amount of funding made available to the voluntary redundancy scheme in 2012; the estimated cost of the scheme in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37134/12]
1698. Deputy John Lyons
asked the Minister for Health
his plans to introduce a targeted redundancy programme in the Health Service Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38089/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1594 and 1698 together.
Questions Nos. 1595 and 1596 answered with Question No. 1558.
1597. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
the meetings he has held with members of the health insurance industry in relation to changes in charges announced in Budget 2012, the number of such meetings he has held; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37137/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
Following Budget 2012, I met with representatives of the country's main health insurance companies. At this meeting we discussed a range of issues including addressing the issue of driving down costs related to health insurance. The outcome of the meeting was the agreement to establish a Health Insurance Consultative Forum to engage on issues of mutual concern.
1598. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
the basis on which the figure of €143m was arrived at savings to be achieved on the generation and collection of private income in budget 2012; if he expects to achieve this figure; the contacts he has held with insurance companies before arriving at the figure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37138/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As part of Budget 2012, I outlined savings of €143m to be generated through a combination of increased charges for private patients, improved collection of income and changes to bed designation legislation. This figure was determined as part of the normal budgetary process and, therefore, was not subject to discussions with insurance companies.
Question No. 1599 answered with Question No. 1586.
1600. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
the total cuts to the budget of service providers to persons with a disability in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37140/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1601. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
the rules for the means test applied for assessing entitlement to a home care package for a person being cared for in the home; if this has changed since the budget; the level of funding in 2011 and 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37141/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1602. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 [37142/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1603. Deputy Patrick Nulty
asked the Minister for Health
if his attention has been drawn to concerns expressed by the Irish Haemochromatosis Association regarding the lack of availability of venesection in certain areas and the wide variation in the charge for performing venesection; if he will classify haemochromatosis as a life-long chronic illness for which treatment should be covered by the General Medical Service at no cost to patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37143/12]
1634. Deputy Patrick Nulty
asked the Minister for Health
if his attention has been drawn to concerns expressed by the Irish Haemochromatosis Association about the lack of availability of venesection in certain areas and about the wide variation in the charge for performing venesections; if he will classify haemochromatosis as a life-long chronic illness for which treatment will be covered by the general medical service at no cost to patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37651/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1603 and 1634 together.
1604. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
asked the Minister for Health
the total cost of translation services by his Department and the agencies operating under his aegis for the years 2010 to 2012 inclusive; if his attention has been drawn to a translation service (details supplied); his opinion on the merits of this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37144/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
The total cost of translation services provided to my Department during the period concerned was €59,532. Expenditure on translation services by agencies under my Department's remit is an operational matter for the agencies themselves. In the case of expenditure on translation services for my Department, the majority of expenditure is incurred by the translation of statutory instruments, policy and strategy documents. While every effort is made to keep translation costs to a minimum, the Deputy will appreciate that the translation of statutory instruments in particular, which may be required to give effect to provisions enforceable in law, requires the utmost care and precision to ensure that the intention behind the drafting of the original document is captured in the translation. This may not always be possible using the type of automated software package referred to by the Deputy.
1605. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
asked the Minister for Health
the waiting time for colonoscopy examinations in the public health system for the years 2008 to 2012 inclusive; the number of patients waiting for colonoscopies during the same period; if he will provide a breakdown of same per Health Service Executive region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37145/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
The target for patients prioritised as urgent for a colonoscopy is 28 days from referral. Census week of 26th June 2012 reported 2 patients waiting over 28 days referring to one hospital only Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore. These patients were subsequently treated. All hospitals actively manage their process to ensure that no urgent patients wait over 28 days. It is intended by 30th September that no patients would be waiting more than 3 months for a non-urgent referral. Hospitals are actively working to reach the September target. June census data identified a total of 6,813 patients waiting for colonoscopies with 2,433 (36%) of that figure waiting over 3 months.
Volumes waiting and median wait time for colonoscopy procedures | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GI Colonoscopies | 26/06/2008 | 26/06/2009 | 26/06/2010 | 26/06/2011 | 26/06/2012 |
| Total | 4,022 | 3,220 | 4,487 | 6,055 | 6,813 |
| Dublin Mid Leinster HSE Area | 1,146 | 1,133 | 1,229 | 1,327 | 1,600 |
| Dublin North-East HSE Area | 411 | 321 | 1,098 | 1,775 | 1,588 |
| South HSE Area | 1,224 | 816 | 950 | 1,680 | 1,425 |
| West HSE Area | 1,241 | 950 | 1,210 | 1,273 | 2,200 |
| Median Months | 3.6 | 1.6 | 1.8 | 2.1 | 2.1 |
Questions Nos. 1606 and 1607 answered with Question No. 1512.
1608. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
asked the Minister for Health
the reason 22 beds remain closed at a hospital (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the efforts he is making to ensure these beds are re-opened at the earliest opportunity; the date on which they will be re-opened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37148/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1609. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Health
the number of agencies, authorities, boards, committee s, working groups, tribunals, council services, task forces, agencies or other quangos set up by his Department since February 2011; the number abolished since then; the extra cost of quangos which were established; the savings from the abolition of quangos; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37247/12]
1610. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Health
the estimated cost of each quango in his Department; the amount expected to be saved from the mergers of quangos in his Department; the basis for this figure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37263/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1609 and 1610 together.
1611. Deputy Dara Calleary 1601. Deputy Billy Kelleher Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): 1602. Deputy Finian McGrath Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall): 1603. Deputy Patrick Nulty 1634. Deputy Patrick Nulty Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): 1604. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): 1605. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): Questions Nos. 1606 and 1607 answered with Question No. 1512. 1608. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): 1609. Deputy Dara Calleary 1610. Deputy Dara Calleary Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): 1611. Deputy Dara Calleary Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): 1612. Deputy Dara Calleary Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): 1613. Deputy Dara Calleary Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): 1614. Deputy Dara Calleary Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): 1615. Deputy Dara Calleary Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): 1616. Deputy Dara Calleary Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): 1617. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Health
the number of new jobs created by his Department as a result of the jobs initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers Nos. 1601-1617
Home Care Packages
asked the Minister for Health
the rules for the means test applied for assessing entitlement to a home care package for a person being cared for in the home; if this has changed since the budget; the level of funding in 2011 and 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37141/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.Medical Cards Applications
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 [37142/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.Hospital Services
asked the Minister for Health
if his attention has been drawn to concerns expressed by the Irish Haemochromatosis Association regarding the lack of availability of venesection in certain areas and the wide variation in the charge for performing venesection; if he will classify haemochromatosis as a life-long chronic illness for which treatment should be covered by the General Medical Service at no cost to patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37143/12]
asked the Minister for Health
if his attention has been drawn to concerns expressed by the Irish Haemochromatosis Association about the lack of availability of venesection in certain areas and about the wide variation in the charge for performing venesections; if he will classify haemochromatosis as a life-long chronic illness for which treatment will be covered by the general medical service at no cost to patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37651/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1603 and 1634 together.Translation Services
asked the Minister for Health
the total cost of translation services by his Department and the agencies operating under his aegis for the years 2010 to 2012 inclusive; if his attention has been drawn to a translation service (details supplied); his opinion on the merits of this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37144/12]
The total cost of translation services provided to my Department during the period concerned was €59,532. Expenditure on translation services by agencies under my Department's remit is an operational matter for the agencies themselves. In the case of expenditure on translation services for my Department, the majority of expenditure is incurred by the translation of statutory instruments, policy and strategy documents. While every effort is made to keep translation costs to a minimum, the Deputy will appreciate that the translation of statutory instruments in particular, which may be required to give effect to provisions enforceable in law, requires the utmost care and precision to ensure that the intention behind the drafting of the original document is captured in the translation. This may not always be possible using the type of automated software package referred to by the Deputy.Hospital Waiting Lists
asked the Minister for Health
the waiting time for colonoscopy examinations in the public health system for the years 2008 to 2012 inclusive; the number of patients waiting for colonoscopies during the same period; if he will provide a breakdown of same per Health Service Executive region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37145/12]
Hospital Accommodation
asked the Minister for Health
the reason 22 beds remain closed at a hospital (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the efforts he is making to ensure these beds are re-opened at the earliest opportunity; the date on which they will be re-opened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37148/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.State Bodies
asked the Minister for Health
the number of agencies, authorities, boards, committee s, working groups, tribunals, council services, task forces, agencies or other quangos set up by his Department since February 2011; the number abolished since then; the extra cost of quangos which were established; the savings from the abolition of quangos; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37247/12]
asked the Minister for Health
the estimated cost of each quango in his Department; the amount expected to be saved from the mergers of quangos in his Department; the basis for this figure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37263/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1609 and 1610 together.Job Initiatives
asked the Minister for Health
the number of new jobs created by his Department as a result of the jobs initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37279/12]
The Department of Health has no role in the implementation of the Jobs Initiative of May 2011; therefore the subject matter of this question is not relevant to my Department.Job Creation
asked the Minister for Health
the number of new jobs created by his Department as a result of the action plan on jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37295/12]
The Action Plan on Jobs is geared towards carrying out the necessary changes across the sectors to make it easier to do business in Ireland so that as many jobs as possible can be protected and created over the coming years. The Plan states that it is not government which creates jobs. Successful enterprises do.Job Creation
asked the Minister for Health
the number of new jobs created by his Department as a result of Budget 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37311/12]
Since January 2012 two interns have been recruited by my Department under the JobBridge Scheme. A number of other staff have been seconded into my Department from the HSE but these were already existing public servants prior to that.Departmental Expenditure
asked the Minister for Health
the total amount spent on taxis by his Department since February 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37327/12]
The amount spent on taxis by my Department since February 2011 was €24,299. My Department's travel policy concerning the use of taxis is that their use should be kept to a minimum and they should be hired only when no suitable public transport is available. Departmental Staff Numbers
asked the Minister for Health
the number of press officers in his Department; the number of press officers in each agency under his auspices; the total cost of press officers in his Department and in agencies under his auspices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37343/12]
Ministerial Appointments
asked the Minister for Health
the total number of board appointees he has made since he came to office; the names, salaries and expenses of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37359/12]
The information requested is currently being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.Departmental Expenditure
asked the Minister for Health
if he will detail, in tabular form, the total photography costs for his Department since coming to office inclusive of costs incurred from use of the Ministerial allowance; the occasions for which photographers were booked; the photographers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion that a photographers was used; if there is a policy regarding the booking of photographers within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37375/12]
1618. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Health
if he will detail in tabular form, the total cost of providing entertainment for his Department since coming to office inclusive of costs incurred from use of the Ministerial allowance; the occasions for which entertainment was provided; the entertainers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion; if there is a policy regarding the booking of entertainers within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37447/12]
1619. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Health
the amount spent on food and drink by his Department; if he will provide a breakdown of what this involved; the occasions on which food and drink was provided; those present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37463/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1618 and 1619 together.
For accounting purposes the term "entertainment" refers to expenditure incurred in circumstances from hosting lunches working lunches,meetings for delegations and visiting health experts to the hosting of receptions for attendees at health related conferences.
It is not possible to provide the level of detail of information sought by the Deputy as the financial management system of my Department does not provide for this information to be collated. The total cost to the Department in relation to entertainment during the period concerned is € 5,171.70. This expenditure was incurred as follows:
| Office | Cost |
|---|---|
| Minister Reilly | 4,207.57 |
| Ministers Shortall / Lynch | 17.91 |
| Secretary General | 946.22 |
1620. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Health
the amount spent on hair and make up by his Department since he came to office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37479/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
The amount spent on hair and make-up by my Department since March 2011 is nil.
1621. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Health
the number and names of all special advisers, special press advisers, or any other type of Ministerial adviser in his Department; the name of the Minister / Minister of State to whom he reports; the salary of each advisor now; the salary of each advisor at the time they were appointed; if any salary increase was asked for; if this was granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37495/12]
1869. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Health
the names of special advisors for whom salary increases have been requested; the amount requested; the details of those granted increases and the amount by which they were increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40023/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1621 and 1869 together.
The following is the breakdown of the information requested:
| Minister | Adviser | Title | Whole time Equivalent | Current Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| James Reilly | Mark Costigan | Press Adviser | 1 | €92,672 |
| James Reilly | Maureen Windle | Special Adviser | 0.66 | €61,755 |
| Róisín Shortall | Maev-Ann Wren | Special Adviser | 0.5 | €40,025 |
1622. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Health
if he will provide detail in tabular form, the names of all external public relations and consultancy persons and organisations used by his Department for the years 2011 and 2010; the amount paid to each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37511/12]
1624. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Health
if he will detail in tabular form, the amount paid on external public relations and communications consultants since February 2011; the reason for the payment; the name of each organisation used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37544/12]
1618. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Health
if he will detail in tabular form, the total cost of providing entertainment for his Department since coming to office inclusive of costs incurred from use of the Ministerial allowance; the occasions for which entertainment was provided; the entertainers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion; if there is a policy regarding the booking of entertainers within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37447/12]
1619. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Health
the amount spent on food and drink by his Department; if he will provide a breakdown of what this involved; the occasions on which food and drink was provided; those present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37463/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
1620. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Health
the amount spent on hair and make up by his Department since he came to office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37479/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
The amount spent on hair and make-up by my Department since March 2011 is nil.
1621. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Health
the number and names of all special advisers, special press advisers, or any other type of Ministerial adviser in his Department; the name of the Minister / Minister of State to whom he reports; the salary of each advisor now; the salary of each advisor at the time they were appointed; if any salary increase was asked for; if this was granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37495/12]
1869. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Health
the names of special advisors for whom salary increases have been requested; the amount requested; the details of those granted increases and the amount by which they were increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40023/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
1622. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Health
if he will provide detail in tabular form, the names of all external public relations and consultancy persons and organisations used by his Department for the years 2011 and 2010; the amount paid to each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37511/12]
1624. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Health
if he will detail in tabular form, the amount paid on external public relations and communications consultants since February 2011; the reason for the payment; the name of each organisation used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37544/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
1623. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Health
the gross annual salary costs for his private and constituency offices at present; the same figures for this time last year; and the same figures for any Ministers of State in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37528/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
Question No. 1624 answered with Question No. 1622.
1625. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Health
if he will detail in tabular form, the amount paid to consultants since February 2011; the name of each organisation used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37560/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
1626. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Health
the political activities of each special adviser, special press advisers, or any other type of Ministerial adviser in his Department; if any of them were members of a political party; if so the parties to which they belonged; if any of them are or have been elected local authority members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37576/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
None of the advisors in my Department is now or ever has been a member of any political party or elected to a local authority.
1627. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Health
the amount spent by his Department on drivers and Ministerial transport since February 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37592/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
The total amount spent by my Department on drivers and Ministerial transport for myself and two Ministers of State since February 2011 is €340,228.75.
1628. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Health
the total amount spent since February 2011 on external reports commissioned by his Department, including payments from Ministerial allowances, details of the consultants employed and costs of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37624/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
1629. Deputy Brian Walsh
asked the Minister for Health
the cost of an extracorporeal shockwave lithotripor machine purchased for University Hospital Galway in 2010; the current use and location of this machine; his plans to commission the machine for treatment of public patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37631/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1630. Deputy Brian Walsh
asked the Minister for Health
his plans for the introduction of the neo-natal BCG vaccination programme in Galway; his views on whether there is a risk posed to public health by its absence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37632/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
Historically BCG vaccination is given in Galway to children in 5th/6th class in primary schools and also to babies in the 'at risk' categories.
1631. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding a facility in Blanchardstown, Dublin, (details supplied) [37638/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1632. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding the fluoridation of the public water supply (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37642/12]
1635. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Health
if he will provide a breakdown of the costs to the State of fluoridating the water supplies of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37654/12]
1838. Deputy Terence Flanagan
asked the Minister for Health
his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding water fluoridation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39133/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1632, 1635 and 1838 together.
Operational costs €2,392,266, HSFA costs €1,387,561, Capital costs €85,579.
1633. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 17. [37647/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Question No. 1634 answered with Question No. 1603.
Question No. 1635 answered with Question No. 1632.
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
It is the policy in my Department only to engage the services of external consultants where it is felt to be appropriate and cost-effective, taking account of Government decisions and policy on the matter. Once initiated, the spend profile of each project is monitored by my Department on a monthly basis. The following table sets out the payments made by my Department to consultants since February 2011.
| No | Consultant/Organisation | Consultancy Purpose | Amount paid since February 2011(€) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Advertising Standards Authority Ireland |
| 49,320 |
| 2. | Create Consultancy Ltd. | Suboxone Feasibility Study. | 10,863 |
| 3. | Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation | Contribution to D/JEI led project to Reduce the Administrative Burden. | 14,000 |
| 4. | Dr. Hubert Curran | Expert Clinical Advice to the Special Delivery Unit. | 10,008 |
| 5. | Dr. Oonagh Walsh | Report on the practice of Symphysiotomy in Ireland. | 37,500 |
| 6. | Goodbody Stockbrokers | Advice in relation to the structure of the Private Health Insurance market. | 333,413 |
| 7. | Health Promotion Research Centre, NUI | Health Behaviours in School-aged Children Survey. | 100,641 |
| 8. | Irish Heart Foundation | Advice in relation to Nutrition Policy. | 35,832 |
| 9. | Lis Nixon Associates | Advice in relation to Performance Improvement in Unscheduled Care. | 82,743 |
| 10. | Mr. Mark Morgan | European Schools Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD) 2011. | 22,688 |
| 11. | Michael Collins Associates | Evaluation of Costings for National Children's Hospital. | 6,150 |
| 12. | Milliman | Actuarial Advisory Services/Health Insurance. | 127,179 |
| 13. | Mr. Dermot Smyth | Payment in respect of membership of Evaluation Committee for the award of tender for actuarial/insurance advisory services. | 1,200 |
| 14. | Mr. Gerard Mullally | Organisation and Financing Options for Chronic Care. | 12,785 |
| 15. | Mr. Peter Smyth | Process Auditor to oversee procurement process of actuarial/insurance services. | 2,541 |
| 16. | Mr. Seamus McGirr | Specialist statistical advice and analysis. | 3,073 |
| 17. | Ms. Carole Devaney |
| 4,590 |
| 18. | PA Consulting | Advice in relation to Performance Improvement in Scheduled Care. | 194,463 |
| 19. | Peter Cassells Consultants Ltd. | Chairperson of the Alcohol Marketing Communications Monitoring Body. | 16,698 |
| 20. | PriceWaterhouse Cooper | Review of certain business processes within the Department. | 18,020 |
| 21. | The Centre for Diagnostic Management |
| 222,376 |
| 22. | Trinity College Dublin | Model of Demand for the supply of GP and Practice Nurse Services. | 30,552 |
| 23. | University College Dublin | All Ireland Travellers Health Study. | 139,000 |
| 24. | Value Based Health Solutions |
| 370,000 |
| Total: | 1,845,635 |
1626. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Health
the political activities of each special adviser, special press advisers, or any other type of Ministerial adviser in his Department; if any of them were members of a political party; if so the parties to which they belonged; if any of them are or have been elected local authority members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37576/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
None of the advisors in my Department is now or ever has been a member of any political party or elected to a local authority.
1627. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Health
the amount spent by his Department on drivers and Ministerial transport since February 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37592/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
The total amount spent by my Department on drivers and Ministerial transport for myself and two Ministers of State since February 2011 is €340,228.75.
1628. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Health
the total amount spent since February 2011 on external reports commissioned by his Department, including payments from Ministerial allowances, details of the consultants employed and costs of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37624/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
The total amount spent on reports by my Department during the period concerned amounts to €791,432. Details of the individual reports are provided in the attached document.
Health is an extremely complex environment involving a broad spectrum of services for the entire population. The nature, cost and burgeoning demand for services require that a strong emphasis be placed on the evidence base for policy and resource usage.
The commissioning of external reports is very much part of a modern and effective administrative system and helps to inform the development of policy, regulation and legislation for the health sector as well as serving the public interest. There is, and will continue to be, a need for objective, independent and expert review and evaluation of health services and health outcomes into the future.
| Title / subject matter of report | Persons drafting report | Costs to date € |
|---|---|---|
| Illicit Drug Markets in Ireland | Author: Mr. Johnny Connolly, Research Officer, Health Research Board Editor: Ms. Winifred Power | 10,000 4,930 |
| National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD) Annual Report 2010 | Translator: Ariel Killick, Translation of NACD 2010 Annual report | 813 |
| An Overview of New Psychoactive Substances and the Outlets Supplying Them (Headshop report) | Editor: Brenda O’Hanlon (published June 2011) First Impression/Clever Cat Design (design and layout) | 1,313 4,812 |
| Parental Substance Misuse – Literature Review. Main report | Author: Dr. Justine Horgan, Senior Researcher, NACD Editor: Mr. David Quinn, Swiftwrite Ovo (report design and layout) | 880 1,694 |
| Parental Substance Misuse - Key Messages and Recommendations | Author: Dr. Justine Horgan, Senior Researcher, NACD. Ovo (design, layout and printing) | 1,192 |
| Responding to Challenges of Substance Use Among Young People | Author: Ms. Peigin Doyle, Writer/Editor/Publicist | 1,512 |
| The Potency of THC in Cannabis Products (Working Paper Series, No. 1) | Author: Ms Colette Arnold, Forensic Science Laboratory Ovo (Working paper series design, layout, printing) | 841 |
| Research into methods and data sources for the estimation of prevalence of problematic opiate and cocaine use in Ireland (Working Paper Series, No. 2) | Commissioned by NACD. Work carried out by Gannon, Hay & McKell. Paid for prior to February 2011 Clever Cat Design (report design, layout, printing) | 1,065 |
| Protocol for National Substance Misuse Rehabilitation Cohort Study (Working Paper Series, No. 3) | Commissioned by NACD. Work carried out by Gannon, Hay & McKeganey. Paid for prior to February 2011 Clever Cat Design (report design, layout, printing) | 830 |
| A Family Affair – Supporting Children Living with Parental Substance Misuse. A Report of the Conference | Author: Ms. Peigin Doyle, Writer/Editor/Publicist Ovo (report design and layout) | 2,602 553 |
| General Population Survey on Drug Prevalence 2010/11 Technical report | Work carried out by IPOS MORI. Paid for prior February 2011 Publisher: CleverCat (design and layout) | 423 |
| Study on the prevalence of drug use, including intravenous drug use and blood borne viruses among the Irish prisoner population | Authors: Dr. A. Drummond, Dr. M. Codd, Ms N. Donnelly, Mr. D. McCausland, Dr. J Mehegan, L.Daly and Professor C. Kelleher | 115,859 |
| Health Behaviour in School Children Report (HBSC) | External (Health Promotion Research Centre-NUI Galway) | 100,641 |
| School Survey Project on Alcohol and Drugs (ESPAD) | External ( Mark Morgan, St Patrick’s College, Drumcondra, Dublin) | 22,687 |
| National Narcolepsy Study Steering Committee Report – Study of increase incidence of narcolepsy in young people following receipt of H1N1 (Swine Flu) vaccination | HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre – Dr Darina O’Flanagan (Chair of Steering Committee) | Nil |
| Positive ageing: indicators of well-being in older people | Health Research Board | Nil |
| Towards a Restraint Free Environment in Nursing Homes – a Policy Document | Geraldine Fitzpatrick PO (Chair), Michael Smith, AP, Sheila O'Malley, Chief Nursing Advisor, Marita Kinsella, Chief Pharmacist, Noreen Quinn, Pharmacist, Dr Colette Bonner, DCMO, (all DoH); Dr Shaun O’Keeffe, Geriatrician, University College Hospital Galway; Ann Ryan, Inspector Manager, & Vicky Blomfield, Regional Operations Manager, both HIQA; Suzanne Cahill, Director of Dementia Services Information and Development Centre's research programme at Trinity College Dublin; Ann Coyle, Planning Specialist for Older People, HSE; Sinéad Fitzpatrick, Practice Development Facilitator & Vena Doyle, Practice Development Facilitator, Nursing Homes Ireland (NHI) | Department paid for printing and translation costs - 2,075 |
| High Level Issues Analysis of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme | Accenture | No costs incurred |
| Strategic Framework for Role Expansion of Nurses and Midwives: Promoting Quality Patient Care | Sheila O’Malley (Chief Nursing Officer in this Dept. who retired February 2012) and Steering Group with members from various outside agencies. | 8,567 (printing costs) |
| National Policy & Strategy for the Provision of Neuro-Rehabilitation Services in Ireland 2011 - 2015 | Drafted by Department Staff – James O’Grady – now retired Editing and Proofing by Ms. Carole Devanney Formatting, Design & Printing by Brunswick Press | Cost for editing and proofing 2,890 Cost for formatting, design and printing of 200 copies 6,738 |
| Commissioned to undertake a review of the Irish private health insurance market in relation to the options which may exist for rebalancing. | Goodbody Stockbrokers and Matheson Ormsby Prentice Solicitors | 300,080 |
| Further Analysis of Options in relation to the restructuring of the Private Health Insurance Market | Goodbody Stockbrokers and Matheson Ormsby Prentice Solicitors | Not currently available |
| Review of Parliamentary and Legislative Processes by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform | Report drafted by Mr Owen Jacob, Principal Officer, Business Consulting Unit, Department of Public Expenditure and Reform – Assistance was provided by Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC) | 18,020 (PWC) |
| All Ireland Traveller Health Study (AITHS) | UCD, School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Population Science | 139,000 paid in 2011. |
| Evaluation of the Suboxone Feasibility Study | Create Consultancy Ltd. External Consultants | A total of 10,863 was spent in 2011. |
| Development of a Model of Demand and Supply of GP and Practice Nurse Services in the Republic of Ireland | Trinity College Dublin | 30,552 |
TOTAL | €791,432 |
1629. Deputy Brian Walsh
asked the Minister for Health
the cost of an extracorporeal shockwave lithotripor machine purchased for University Hospital Galway in 2010; the current use and location of this machine; his plans to commission the machine for treatment of public patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37631/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1630. Deputy Brian Walsh
asked the Minister for Health
his plans for the introduction of the neo-natal BCG vaccination programme in Galway; his views on whether there is a risk posed to public health by its absence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37632/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
Historically BCG vaccination is given in Galway to children in 5th/6th class in primary schools and also to babies in the 'at risk' categories.
1631. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding a facility in Blanchardstown, Dublin, (details supplied) [37638/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1632. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding the fluoridation of the public water supply (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37642/12]
1635. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Health
if he will provide a breakdown of the costs to the State of fluoridating the water supplies of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37654/12]
1838. Deputy Terence Flanagan
asked the Minister for Health
his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding water fluoridation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39133/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1632, 1635 and 1838 together.
Operational costs €2,392,266, HSFA costs €1,387,561, Capital costs €85,579.
1633. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 17. [37647/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1636. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
if he will support this issue on syringes (details supplied) in County Limerick. [37671/12]
1645. Deputy Ciara Conway
asked the Minister for Health
his plans to roll out supervised injection sites across the country, if he will provide an update as to the whereabouts and timeframe associated with this; if he will comment on the progress made to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37680/12]
1648. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
asked the Minister for Health
the efforts he is making to support the Anna Liffey drug Project in Dublin; his position on supervised injection sites in this State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37686/12]
1834. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
his views on the calls for the provision of supervised injections sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39129/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1636, 1645, 1648 and 1834 together.
In line with the Programme for Government and Action 34 of the National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016, it is Government policy to expand the availability of needle exchange services. Such services greatly reduce the risk of the use of contaminated injecting equipment through providing sterilised needles, syringes and associated injecting paraphernalia. They also reduce the dangers posed by discarded needles through the strong emphasis on the exchange of used supplies for new. As well as the direct benefits of needle exchange services, they also bring people into contact with other services and increase the possibilities for further engagement aimed at reducing heroin use.
Needle exchange services are broadly available in the Dublin area through the HSE and voluntary sector organisations. There has been significant improvement in the availability of needle exchange services outside Dublin over the past year through community pharmacies, HSE clinics, and voluntary sector organisations. Such services will be expanded to further locations over the coming period through the involvement of more community pharmacies.
It is not my intention to introduce supervised injection sites for heroin users. Rather my focus is on ensuring that there is an increased emphasis on providing the opportunities for people to move on from illicit drug use, through drug treatment and rehabilitation, to a drug-free life where that is achievable. A 2012 report from the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) indicates that heroin-assisted treatment is made available only in a small number of European countries. While the report found some evidence that this treatment can be effective for a small minority of entrenched opioid users, the EMCDDA made clear that it was reporting only, rather than advocating the provision of such services.
The Ana Liffey Drugs Project has received considerable support, totalling over €2.26m, from my Department since 2009 as follows:
2009 :€0.567m
2010 :€0.542m
2011 :€0.448m
2012 :€0.704m
1637. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Health
if he will outline the safeguards in place to ensure an equitable distribution of the National Lottery discretionary funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37672/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
National Lottery applications are received by my Department from a range of community and voluntary organisations involved in various health related activities. The relevant Unit in my Department liaises with the appropriate personnel in the Health Service Executive to assess each individual application and consider whether the application should be recommended for funding.
1638. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Health
if he will outline in tabular form the number and the total value of applications received from County Donegal for funding under the National Lottery discretionary fund and the number of these that were successful for 2009, 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37673/12]
1639. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Health
if he will outline in tabular form the amount of funding allocated to organisations based in County Donegal under the National Lottery discretionary Fund for 2009, 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37674/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1638 and 1639 together.
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in a table.
Year | Total Number of All Applicants | Number of Donegal Applicants | Successful Donegal Applicants | Amount applied for | Value Allocated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2009 | 193 | 5 | 5 | €159,797 | €94,638 |
2010 | 477 | 39 | 28 | €1,287,329 | €307,500 |
2011 | 613 | 38 | 6 | €1,628,961 | €38,116 |
2012 | 322 | 10 | 0 | €778,877 | €0 |
Total | 1605 | 92 | 39 | €3,854,964 | €440,254 |
1640. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Health
if he will outline in tabular form the number of hours of home help provision contracted between the Health Service Executive and Home Instead in County Donegal for 2009, 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37675/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1641. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Health
if he will outline in tabular form the number of hours of home help provision contracted between the Health Service Executive and Blue Bird Care in County Donegal for 2009, 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37676/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1642. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Health
if he will outline the total number of special needs assistant hours allocated to the childcare sector in County Donegal for 2009, 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37677/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1643. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Health
1636. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
if he will support this issue on syringes (details supplied) in County Limerick. [37671/12]
1645. Deputy Ciara Conway
asked the Minister for Health
his plans to roll out supervised injection sites across the country, if he will provide an update as to the whereabouts and timeframe associated with this; if he will comment on the progress made to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37680/12]
1648. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
asked the Minister for Health
the efforts he is making to support the Anna Liffey drug Project in Dublin; his position on supervised injection sites in this State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37686/12]
1834. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
his views on the calls for the provision of supervised injections sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39129/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1636, 1645, 1648 and 1834 together.
1637. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Health
if he will outline the safeguards in place to ensure an equitable distribution of the National Lottery discretionary funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37672/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
National Lottery applications are received by my Department from a range of community and voluntary organisations involved in various health related activities. The relevant Unit in my Department liaises with the appropriate personnel in the Health Service Executive to assess each individual application and consider whether the application should be recommended for funding.
1638. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Health
if he will outline in tabular form the number and the total value of applications received from County Donegal for funding under the National Lottery discretionary fund and the number of these that were successful for 2009, 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37673/12]
1639. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Health
if he will outline in tabular form the amount of funding allocated to organisations based in County Donegal under the National Lottery discretionary Fund for 2009, 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37674/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
1640. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Health
if he will outline in tabular form the number of hours of home help provision contracted between the Health Service Executive and Home Instead in County Donegal for 2009, 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37675/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1641. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Health
if he will outline in tabular form the number of hours of home help provision contracted between the Health Service Executive and Blue Bird Care in County Donegal for 2009, 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37676/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1642. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Health
if he will outline the total number of special needs assistant hours allocated to the childcare sector in County Donegal for 2009, 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37677/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1643. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Health
if he will outline the total number of special needs assistants applied for by the childcare sector in County Donegal for 2009, 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37678/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1644. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Health
if he will outline the total amount allocated to the funding of special needs assistants in the childcare sector in County Donegal for 2009, 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37679/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Question No. 1645 answered with Question No. 1636.
1646. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Health
if he will detail the guidelines issued to doctors and hospitals with respect to the reporting of adverse side effects of drugs to patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37684/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
The programme is continually evolving to encourage increased participation by healthcare professionals and patients. There are a range of methods in place to facilitate reporting, including paper based and downloadable post-paid report forms as well as online/telephone reporting.
1647. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Health
if he has any concerns with respect to the drug rasilez aliskiren, if he is aware of other countries that have outlawed the drug; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37685/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
Aliskiren (trade name Rasilez) is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) in adults. Rasilez is licensed in all EU Member States and is only available on prescription.
Question No. 1648 answered with Question No. 1636.
1649. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor
asked the Minister for Health
his plans to cater for the statutory registration and recognition of music therapy here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37687/12]
1650. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor
asked the Minister for Health
his plans to cater for the statutory registration and recognition of art therapy here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37688/12]
1651. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor
asked the Minister for Health
his plans to cater for the statutory registration and recognition of drama therapy here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37689/12]
1652. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor
asked the Minister for Health
his plans to cater for the statutory registration and recognition of dance movement therapy here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37690/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1649 to 1652, inclusive, together.
(d) The profession’s commitment to continuous professional development;
(f) Any other factors that the Minister for Health considers relevant
1653. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Health
if he will provide an explanation for the long delay in a person (details supplied) in Dublin receiving medical treatment for a prolapse disk. [37696/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1654. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
the reason the Mental Health Community Services are being wound down (details supplied) in Dublin 17. [37703/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
1655. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding nursing home care in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [37704/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
The matter raised by the Deputy relates to the processing of an application by the Courts. Neither the Minister nor the Health Service Executive has any function in this regard
1656. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [37710/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1657. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) [37718/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1658. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 17. [37720/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1659. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding medical costs in respect of a person (details supplied). [37721/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
Some vitamin B12 injections are covered by the General Medical Services (GMS) scheme. If the Deputy can furnish me with the details of the injection in question, I will have the matter investigated.
1660. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding a medical appointment in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 [37722/12]
1684. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding a knee replacement operation in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 [37926/12]
1692. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding an angiogram in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [38055/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1660, 1684 and 1692 together.
1661. Deputy Nicky McFadden
asked the Minister for Health
if a person (details supplied) will receive redundancy payment from the Health Service Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37726/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
1662. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Health
the amount of Health Service Executives budget that will overrun in 2012 and the overrun for the first six months of this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37735/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
1653. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Health
if he will provide an explanation for the long delay in a person (details supplied) in Dublin receiving medical treatment for a prolapse disk. [37696/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1654. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
the reason the Mental Health Community Services are being wound down (details supplied) in Dublin 17. [37703/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
1655. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding nursing home care in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [37704/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
The matter raised by the Deputy relates to the processing of an application by the Courts. Neither the Minister nor the Health Service Executive has any function in this regard
1656. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [37710/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1657. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) [37718/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1658. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 17. [37720/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1659. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding medical costs in respect of a person (details supplied). [37721/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
Some vitamin B12 injections are covered by the General Medical Services (GMS) scheme. If the Deputy can furnish me with the details of the injection in question, I will have the matter investigated.
1660. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding a medical appointment in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 [37722/12]
1684. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding a knee replacement operation in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 [37926/12]
1692. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding an angiogram in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [38055/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1660, 1684 and 1692 together.
1661. Deputy Nicky McFadden
asked the Minister for Health
if a person (details supplied) will receive redundancy payment from the Health Service Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37726/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
1662. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Health
the amount of Health Service Executives budget that will overrun in 2012 and the overrun for the first six months of this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37735/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
The HSE is facing a very serious financial challenge and following a financial review of its National Service Plan which was submitted to the Board of the Executive in June, it was clear that it would have to make very significant additional savings over the course of the rest of the year. The June Performance Reports were considered by the Board and showed a net deficit of €295m. This report is published on the website of the Health Service Executive - www.hse.ie. Based on the rate of drawdown of its Vote, the HSE was forecasting a shortfall in Vote terms of approximately €500m by the end of the year if no action is taken. The Executive indicated that hospital activity, PCRS and retirements were significant factors contributing to the overrun.
Question No. 1663 answered with Question No. 1529.
1664. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding a medical certificate in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [37744/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1665. Deputy Nicky McFadden
asked the Minister for Health
if there are plans to recognise creative arts therapies through stage registration (details supplied); if creative arts therapies will be included in the list of professionals covered by the Health and Social Care Professionals Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37745/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
The Health and Social Care Professionals Council, established in 2007, and the 12 registration boards being established under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 (the Act), will be responsible for protecting the public by regulating health and social care professionals in Ireland. The object of the Council is to protect the public by promoting high standards of professional conduct and professional education, training and competence among the registrants of the following 12 health and social care professions designated under the Act: clinical biochemists, dietitians, medical scientists, occupational therapists, orthoptists, physiotherapists, podiatrists, psychologists, radiographers, social care workers, social workers and speech and language therapists. In time, only registrants will be entitled to use these titles.
(d) The profession’s commitment to continuous professional development;
(f) Any other factors that the Minister for Health considers relevant
1666. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Health
if he will supply a list of all Labour Court recommendations that have been issued in respect of his Department and organisations under his aegis that have not been complied with in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37755/12]
1667. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Health
if he will provide a list of all Labour Court recommendations in respect of the Health Service Executive that have not been complied with in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37764/12]
1668. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Health
if he will obtain and provide a list of all Labour Court recommendations that have been issued in respect of the Health Service Executive that have not been complied with in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37765/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1666 to 1668, inclusive, together.
1669. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Health
if he will consider reversing the decision to cut the disabled sheltered allowance which was cut from €31.80 per week to €20.00 per week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37767/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
The decision to reduce the top up payment made to people with a disability attending rehabilitative training was implemented by the Health Service Executive (HSE) without informing the Department of Health. e reduction from €31.80 per week to €20 per week, from the 1st January 2012, was communicated to the HSE Local Managers in advance of the Minister approving the National Service Plan for 2012. I subsequently requested the Executive not to proceed with this reduction pending a fuller consideration of the effects and consequences of this measure.
1670. Deputy Joanna Tuffy
asked the Minister for Health
further to Parliamentary Question No. 255 of 16 February 2012, if he will provide an up to date position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37776/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
Student medical scientists who are in their third year of study, and who are accepted for clinical placement in a public health service laboratory, are eligible to receive a monthly training allowance of €813.58. I have asked the HSE to examine the circumstances regarding the payment of this allowance and will correspond with the Deputy on the matter as soon as possible.
1671. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Health
if he will outline the number of people who are on the waiting list to have vagus nerve stimulator batteries replaced in a hospital (details supplied) in Dublin 9; the number waiting to have the vagus nerve stimulators installed; the number of devices to carry-out these procedures; the number expected to be dealt with on a month by month basis between now and the end of the year; if he will agree that these waiting lists are very substantial and should be dealt with immediately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37782/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Question No. 1672 answered with Question No. 1498.
1673. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding a special needs dog for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [37793/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1673. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding a special needs dog for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [37793/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1674. Deputy David Stanton
asked the Minister for Health
further to parliamentary question No. 744 of 19 July 2012 if he will provide a breakdown of the number of home help hours provided by the Health Service Executive and private operators, whose services are paid for by the State, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37795/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1675. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Health
if and when an appointment for a much required hip operation will be granted in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37798/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1676. Deputy Brendan Ryan
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding the proposal to move the Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum to Portrane in North County Dublin; the stage the proposal is at; if he will give any timescales on how the proposal is progressing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37801/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
The Infrastructural and Capital Programme 2012 - 2016 includes capital funding for the Reconfiguration of the National Forensic Mental Health Services. This will include the replacement of the Central Mental Hospital (CMH), the development of a 10 bed Intellectual Disability Forensic Mental Health Unit, a 10 bed Child and Adolescent Forensic Mental Health Unit, as well as four regional Intensive Care Rehabilitation Units (ICRUs). It is planned to build the new CMH, the Intellectual Disability and the Child and Adolescent Forensic Mental Health Units at Portrane, Co. Dublin. The Design Team has recently been appointed and commenced work on the project. Subject to the statutory approvals, it is expected that construction will commence in 2014 and take two years to complete.
1677. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Health
his views on the correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37815/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
Under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (FEMPI) Act 2009, an 8% reduction in a range of GP fees and allowances was introduced in 2009, which effected full year savings in the region of €34 million. Further reductions to a range of fees and allowances were introduced in 2010, which effected full year savings in the region of €44 million.
In relation to the specific comment re fees in respect of patients aged 70 or over, I wish to point out that the annual capitation fees in respect of such patients were reduced in 2009 as follows:
In 2010, the latter fee was further reduced from €896.07 to €448.04. Under FEMPI legislation, the Minister for Health is required to carry out a review of the operation, effectiveness and impact of the amounts and rates fixed under regulations each year. A review was carried out in 2012, at which time it was decided that the rates set in the regulations be left unchanged at present.
1678. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Health
when the up to date needs assessment report will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37816/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1679. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding recruiting persons with a disability; the number of persons currently employed in his Department; the number of persons with a disability that have been employed since 1 January 2011 to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37839/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
My Department operates in accordance with the Disability Act 2005 and the Code of Practice for the Employment of People with a Disability in the Irish Civil Service to promote, support and annually report on the employment of persons with disabilities. 3% of staff in my Department in December 2011 have declared themselves as having a disability. One individual was employed by my Department for a six month period from 8th August 2011 under the Willing Able and Mentoring Programme which is a graduate work experience programme aimed at persons with disabilities.
1680. Deputy Tom Fleming
asked the Minister for Health
further to Parliamentary Questions No 499 of 13 December 2011 and No 161 of 20 June 2012 and following on from the proposal to close a hostel (details supplied) in County Kerry, if he will now intervene and address the huge concerns of residents, their families and relatives, staff, the Iveragh Mental Health Association and the entire Iveragh peninsula community by including a representative of each of these groups in the team responsible for the preparation of a detailed plan for mental health services in the south Kerry area in line with best practice and a Vision for Change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37849/12]
1671. Deputy Sean Fleming Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): Question No. 1672 answered with Question No. 1498. 1673. Deputy Finian McGrath Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): 1673. Deputy Finian McGrath Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): 1674. Deputy David Stanton Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): 1675. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): 1676. Deputy Brendan Ryan Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): 1677. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall): 1678. Deputy Sean Fleming Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): 1679. Deputy Sean Fleming Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): 1680. Deputy Tom Fleming Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): 1681. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): 1682. Deputy Gerry Adams Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): 1683. Deputy Gerry Adams Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): Question No. 1684 answered with Question No. 1660. 1685. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall): 1686. Deputy Paudie Coffey Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): 1687. Deputy Gerry Adams Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): Written Answers Nos. 1671-1687
Hospital Procedures
asked the Minister for Health
if he will outline the number of people who are on the waiting list to have vagus nerve stimulator batteries replaced in a hospital (details supplied) in Dublin 9; the number waiting to have the vagus nerve stimulators installed; the number of devices to carry-out these procedures; the number expected to be dealt with on a month by month basis between now and the end of the year; if he will agree that these waiting lists are very substantial and should be dealt with immediately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37782/12]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.Services for People with Disabilities
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding a special needs dog for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [37793/12]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.Services for People with Disabilities
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding a special needs dog for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [37793/12]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.Home Help Service
asked the Minister for Health
further to parliamentary question No. 744 of 19 July 2012 if he will provide a breakdown of the number of home help hours provided by the Health Service Executive and private operators, whose services are paid for by the State, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37795/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.Hospital Procedures
asked the Minister for Health
if and when an appointment for a much required hip operation will be granted in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37798/12]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.Mental Health Services
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding the proposal to move the Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum to Portrane in North County Dublin; the stage the proposal is at; if he will give any timescales on how the proposal is progressing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37801/12]
The Infrastructural and Capital Programme 2012 - 2016 includes capital funding for the Reconfiguration of the National Forensic Mental Health Services. This will include the replacement of the Central Mental Hospital (CMH), the development of a 10 bed Intellectual Disability Forensic Mental Health Unit, a 10 bed Child and Adolescent Forensic Mental Health Unit, as well as four regional Intensive Care Rehabilitation Units (ICRUs). It is planned to build the new CMH, the Intellectual Disability and the Child and Adolescent Forensic Mental Health Units at Portrane, Co. Dublin. The Design Team has recently been appointed and commenced work on the project. Subject to the statutory approvals, it is expected that construction will commence in 2014 and take two years to complete.Health Services
asked the Minister for Health
his views on the correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37815/12]
Under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (FEMPI) Act 2009, an 8% reduction in a range of GP fees and allowances was introduced in 2009, which effected full year savings in the region of €34 million. Further reductions to a range of fees and allowances were introduced in 2010, which effected full year savings in the region of €44 million.Health Services
asked the Minister for Health
when the up to date needs assessment report will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37816/12]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.Departmental Staff Numbers
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding recruiting persons with a disability; the number of persons currently employed in his Department; the number of persons with a disability that have been employed since 1 January 2011 to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37839/12]
My Department operates in accordance with the Disability Act 2005 and the Code of Practice for the Employment of People with a Disability in the Irish Civil Service to promote, support and annually report on the employment of persons with disabilities. 3% of staff in my Department in December 2011 have declared themselves as having a disability. One individual was employed by my Department for a six month period from 8th August 2011 under the Willing Able and Mentoring Programme which is a graduate work experience programme aimed at persons with disabilities. Mental Health Services
asked the Minister for Health
further to Parliamentary Questions No 499 of 13 December 2011 and No 161 of 20 June 2012 and following on from the proposal to close a hostel (details supplied) in County Kerry, if he will now intervene and address the huge concerns of residents, their families and relatives, staff, the Iveragh Mental Health Association and the entire Iveragh peninsula community by including a representative of each of these groups in the team responsible for the preparation of a detailed plan for mental health services in the south Kerry area in line with best practice and a Vision for Change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37849/12]
As this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.Pension Provisions
asked the Minister for Health
if the nominated health agencies superannuation scheme pension payments deficit will be funded through the annual health vote provided by the State to the Health Service Executive for the payment of the health services pension benefits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37901/12]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.Health Service Staff
asked the Minister for Health
further to Parliamentary Question No 1298 of 18 April 2012 if the two posts in the Rian Counselling Service in the Health Service Executive North East Area have been appointed and if staff are now in position. [37906/12]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.Hospital Services
asked the Minister for Health
if he has been in contact with management of a hospital (details supplied) in County Louth and or Louth County Hospital in Dundalk in relation to implementing cut backs or reductions in services which will affect patients between now and the end of 2012; the services that will be affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37907/12]
Issues relating to services are operational issues for the HSE in which I have no direct role. However, I can confirm that the Special Delivery Unit (SDU) in my Department are working with hospital management on an on-going basis.Medical Cards Eligibility
asked the Minister for Health
the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare was issued a doctor only card and not a full medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37927/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.Primary Care Services
asked the Minister for Health
if he has as a result of the recent stimulus package announced by Government received any expressions of interest from general practitioners and doctors in Waterford city and county to avail of the fact that both Dungarvan and Waterford city were identified as areas that were in need of primary care facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38005/12]
Delivery of the health capital infrastructure stimulus is a service matter. Therefore your question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.Health Service Staff
asked the Minister for Health
if the recommendations of the report into the circumstances pertaining to the death of a person (details supplied) in County Louth were implemented in full; if any of the decisions announced by the Health Service Executive recently with respect to cuts in agency staffing and overtime hours compromise the implementation of these recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38025/12]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1688. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Health
if he will provide a detailed breakdown, including details on the position, role and grade of staff, the number of posts cut from each of the Louth Meath hospitals as a result of the Health Service Executive decision to cut back on agency staff and overtime hours. [38026/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
1689. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Health
if he will provide a breakdown of all measures being undertaken to cut costs in the Louth Meath area including details on the likely impact on health service users of these measures. [38027/12]
1690. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Health
if he will provide the risk assessments carried out in relation to decisions by the Health Service Executive to introduce cost cutting measures including the elimination of agency staff and cuts to overtime in the Louth Meath hospital group. [38028/12]
1694. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Health
if any reductions in services in mothers' and children's services in the Louth Meath hospital group are planned as part of the cost cutting plans between now and the end of the year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38073/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1689, 1690 and 1694 together.
1691. Deputy Eoghan Murphy
asked the Minister for Health
in view of the shortage of speech and language therapists in the health service, if he will consider allowing graduate speech and language therapists conduct their mandatory supervised one year placement with the Health Service to allow graduates receive their qualification and make available more personnel in this area, and at a reduced cost to the State. [38029/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
I will examine the proposal and will correspond with the Deputy on the matter as soon as possible.
Question No. 1692 answered with Question No. 1660.
1693. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
if he will provide an update on a matter (details supplied) [38056/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Question No. 1694 answered with Question No. 1689.
1695. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Health
if he will provide a month by month breakdown in tabular form of the number of exemptions granted to the recruitment embargo for each Health Service Executive region since March 2011. [38074/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
1696. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
asked the Minister for Health
the number of no shows recorded for scheduled Health Service Executive medical appointments in 2011 where the patient's address was recorded as prison; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38079/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1697. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
if he will provide an update on the group established in 2001 to consider a no-fault compensation system for birth damaged infants. [38080/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
The group referred to by the Deputy in relation to the consideration of a no-fault compensation system for birth damaged infants was set up over ten years ago to consider this very complex area. I understand that for various reasons the group met intermittently and has not now met for a number of years.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to introduce legislation to facilitate courts making provision for structured settlements (Periodic Payment Orders) in circumstances where lump sums are currently awarded as a consequence of individuals suffering catastrophic injury because of the negligence of another. I am aware that the High Court Working Group on Medical Negligence has made a number of recommendations on periodic payments and pre-action protocols. I understand that these recommendations propose that infants, who have suffered catastrophic injuries at birth, will have their cases dealt with in a lesser time frame than pertains at present and also their care costs dealt with on an annual payment basis rather than by way of inclusion in a lump sum compensation package. Consideration of the recommendations of the Group and any subsequent legislative changes will be a matter for the Minister for Justice Equality and Defence. My Department will be liaising with the Department of Justice and Equality on this matter.
Question No. 1698 answered with Question No. 1594.
1699. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl
asked the Minister for Health
if he will approve an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38090/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1700. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Health
the reason transport services to the North Kildare psychiatric services has been cut; if he has any plans to reintroduce such a service that is vital to the local community in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38097/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As this is a service matter this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Questions Nos. 1701 and 1702 answered with Question No. 1497.
1688. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Health
if he will provide a detailed breakdown, including details on the position, role and grade of staff, the number of posts cut from each of the Louth Meath hospitals as a result of the Health Service Executive decision to cut back on agency staff and overtime hours. [38026/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
1689. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Health
if he will provide a breakdown of all measures being undertaken to cut costs in the Louth Meath area including details on the likely impact on health service users of these measures. [38027/12]
1690. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Health
if he will provide the risk assessments carried out in relation to decisions by the Health Service Executive to introduce cost cutting measures including the elimination of agency staff and cuts to overtime in the Louth Meath hospital group. [38028/12]
1694. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Health
if any reductions in services in mothers' and children's services in the Louth Meath hospital group are planned as part of the cost cutting plans between now and the end of the year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38073/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1689, 1690 and 1694 together.
1691. Deputy Eoghan Murphy
asked the Minister for Health
in view of the shortage of speech and language therapists in the health service, if he will consider allowing graduate speech and language therapists conduct their mandatory supervised one year placement with the Health Service to allow graduates receive their qualification and make available more personnel in this area, and at a reduced cost to the State. [38029/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
I will examine the proposal and will correspond with the Deputy on the matter as soon as possible.
Question No. 1692 answered with Question No. 1660.
1693. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
if he will provide an update on a matter (details supplied) [38056/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Question No. 1694 answered with Question No. 1689.
1695. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Health
if he will provide a month by month breakdown in tabular form of the number of exemptions granted to the recruitment embargo for each Health Service Executive region since March 2011. [38074/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
1696. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
asked the Minister for Health
the number of no shows recorded for scheduled Health Service Executive medical appointments in 2011 where the patient's address was recorded as prison; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38079/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1697. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
if he will provide an update on the group established in 2001 to consider a no-fault compensation system for birth damaged infants. [38080/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
The group referred to by the Deputy in relation to the consideration of a no-fault compensation system for birth damaged infants was set up over ten years ago to consider this very complex area. I understand that for various reasons the group met intermittently and has not now met for a number of years.
Question No. 1698 answered with Question No. 1594.
1699. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl
asked the Minister for Health
if he will approve an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38090/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1700. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Health
the reason transport services to the North Kildare psychiatric services has been cut; if he has any plans to reintroduce such a service that is vital to the local community in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38097/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As this is a service matter this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Questions Nos. 1701 and 1702 answered with Question No. 1497.
1703. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
if he will provide an update on services at a centre (details supplied) in County Sligo [38117/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1704. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Health
the supports or treatments available to persons suffering from bulimia nervosa here; the number of places available in the State to treat patients suffering from bulimia; the number of persons on waiting lists for such treatment; the timeframe patients are on waiting lusts before they receive treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38120/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
HSE services for people with eating disorders are embedded in the Community Mental Health Services and Primary Care Services. Individuals with eating disorders frequently present to their general practitioner as a first resort and early intervention at this level greatly improves outcomes. Community based Adult and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Teams receive referrals from general practitioners and provide assessment and treatment to their particular cohort.
1705. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Health
if a person (details supplied) in County Meath is currently on a waiting list for admittance to a treatment programme for bulimia nervosa; the supports in place or that are being put in place to ensure they get the treatment they require; and the timeframe they will be waiting before they are admitted to a treatment programme [38121/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
1706. Deputy Nicky McFadden
asked the Minister for Health
if the possibility of early intervention in mental health awareness and promotion has been explored through programmes within the school system; if he has engaged with officials of the Department of Education and Science on mental health promotion in schools generally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38124/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
Schools are a prime setting for addressing suicide prevention and mental health promotion initiatives. The Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) curriculum, which is mandatory in all primary schools and at Junior Cycle in post primary schools, provides a consistent and comprehensive whole-school approach to promoting the health and well-being of children. SPHE aims to foster self-worth and self-confidence and places a particular emphasis on developing a sense of personal responsibility for one's own behaviour and actions.
1707. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
if he will support a matter (details supplied) regarding acquired brain injury [38126/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive to investigate the circumstances outlined, to liaise with the agency mentioned in the correspondence and reply directly to the Deputy.
1708. Deputy Ciara Conway
asked the Minister for Health
his plans to amend and update the maximum fine payable under the Rats and Mice Destruction Act 1919, which was further amended by the Health Act 1947, in view of the fact that this currently stands at 50 pence for the liable owner and as such does not represent a deterrent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38127/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
The Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act 1919 sets out fines for non-compliance with the provisions of this Act ranging from five pounds to twenty pounds. The Fines Act 2010 classified fines set out in previous legislation into one of five categories, A-E. A person who fails to destroy rats or mice is a liable to a Class E fine, that is, a fine not exceeding €500. The other offences in the Act attract a Class D fine, that is, a fine not exceeding €1,000. In the light of the above, I have no plans to amend the Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act 1919.
1709. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
if eligibility criteria will be included in the review of medical cards; if there will be a reduction in the number in receipt of medical cards as a result of this review; if existing medical card holders will be affected by this review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38157/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
A central objective of the EU-IMF supported economic adjustment programme is to reduce the central government cash deficit over the time frame of the programme. In response to a call by the recent EU-IMF mission, the Irish authorities have indicated they will consider, in the context of Budget 2013, a range of options to address health expenditure in its totality, which also includes expenditure on demand-led schemes such as the General Medical Services scheme. However, no specific decisions have been taken at this stage of the budgetary process. Ultimately, the Government will take decisions on health expenditure in the context of its overall budgetary strategy for 2013.
1710. Deputy Jack Wall
asked the Minister for Health
when students in a special needs units at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare will receive speech and language therapy and occupational therapy services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38159/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1711. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Health
if and when a medical card will be granted in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38160/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1712. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
asked the Minister for Health
if he will give details of the savings made through the employment of agency staff, both nursing and clerical, as against their Health Service Executive directly employed co-workers, in each of the years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; if he will advise of any changes in terms of employment or levels of remuneration that were introduced specific to the recruitment agencies and when said changes came into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38164/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
1713. Deputy Seán Crowe
asked the Minister for Health
if he will provide a breakdown of the way in which the Health Service Executive cutbacks will impact on ambulance stations in Tallaght, Swords and Maynooth; and the way changes to the new roster to be introduced in September, including the number of ambulances on call, compare with the service available in September 2011. [38169/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
1714. Deputy Peter Mathews
asked the Minister for Health
the support services available in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 16; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38181/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy
1715. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Health
if he will provide full details of funding provided by his Department or the Health Service Executive in 2011 for domestic violence services; if he will provide a breakdown between funding for support, refuge, counselling services and other funding; if this information will be broken down on a county or regional basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38188/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
1706. Deputy Nicky McFadden
asked the Minister for Health
if the possibility of early intervention in mental health awareness and promotion has been explored through programmes within the school system; if he has engaged with officials of the Department of Education and Science on mental health promotion in schools generally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38124/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
Schools are a prime setting for addressing suicide prevention and mental health promotion initiatives. The Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) curriculum, which is mandatory in all primary schools and at Junior Cycle in post primary schools, provides a consistent and comprehensive whole-school approach to promoting the health and well-being of children. SPHE aims to foster self-worth and self-confidence and places a particular emphasis on developing a sense of personal responsibility for one's own behaviour and actions.
1707. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
if he will support a matter (details supplied) regarding acquired brain injury [38126/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive to investigate the circumstances outlined, to liaise with the agency mentioned in the correspondence and reply directly to the Deputy.
1708. Deputy Ciara Conway
asked the Minister for Health
his plans to amend and update the maximum fine payable under the Rats and Mice Destruction Act 1919, which was further amended by the Health Act 1947, in view of the fact that this currently stands at 50 pence for the liable owner and as such does not represent a deterrent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38127/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
The Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act 1919 sets out fines for non-compliance with the provisions of this Act ranging from five pounds to twenty pounds. The Fines Act 2010 classified fines set out in previous legislation into one of five categories, A-E. A person who fails to destroy rats or mice is a liable to a Class E fine, that is, a fine not exceeding €500. The other offences in the Act attract a Class D fine, that is, a fine not exceeding €1,000. In the light of the above, I have no plans to amend the Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act 1919.
1709. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
if eligibility criteria will be included in the review of medical cards; if there will be a reduction in the number in receipt of medical cards as a result of this review; if existing medical card holders will be affected by this review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38157/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
A central objective of the EU-IMF supported economic adjustment programme is to reduce the central government cash deficit over the time frame of the programme. In response to a call by the recent EU-IMF mission, the Irish authorities have indicated they will consider, in the context of Budget 2013, a range of options to address health expenditure in its totality, which also includes expenditure on demand-led schemes such as the General Medical Services scheme. However, no specific decisions have been taken at this stage of the budgetary process. Ultimately, the Government will take decisions on health expenditure in the context of its overall budgetary strategy for 2013.
1710. Deputy Jack Wall
asked the Minister for Health
when students in a special needs units at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare will receive speech and language therapy and occupational therapy services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38159/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1711. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Health
if and when a medical card will be granted in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38160/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1712. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
asked the Minister for Health
if he will give details of the savings made through the employment of agency staff, both nursing and clerical, as against their Health Service Executive directly employed co-workers, in each of the years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; if he will advise of any changes in terms of employment or levels of remuneration that were introduced specific to the recruitment agencies and when said changes came into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38164/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
1713. Deputy Seán Crowe
asked the Minister for Health
if he will provide a breakdown of the way in which the Health Service Executive cutbacks will impact on ambulance stations in Tallaght, Swords and Maynooth; and the way changes to the new roster to be introduced in September, including the number of ambulances on call, compare with the service available in September 2011. [38169/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
1714. Deputy Peter Mathews
asked the Minister for Health
the support services available in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 16; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38181/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy
1715. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Health
if he will provide full details of funding provided by his Department or the Health Service Executive in 2011 for domestic violence services; if he will provide a breakdown between funding for support, refuge, counselling services and other funding; if this information will be broken down on a county or regional basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38188/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
The information sought by the Deputy is not readily available. However I have asked the Health Service Executive to supply this information to me and I will forward it to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1716. Deputy Peter Mathews
asked the Minister for Health
his plans to increase funding for an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38193/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy
1717. Deputy Brendan Griffin
asked the Minister for Health
if new born babies here will be universally screened for the metabolic disorder, glutaric aciduria, as is already the practice in the US and Germany; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38198/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
I do not have a proposal for the inclusion of Glutaric Acidemia in the Newborn screening programme. I will, however, keep the matter under consideration.
Question No. 1718 answered with Question No. 1511.
1719. Deputy Kevin Humphreys
asked the Minister for Health
the status of action plan on alcohol; when action will be taken to implement the proposals contained therein; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38204/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
The National Substance Misuse Strategy Steering Group Report is a road map for the future direction of policy to deal with the misuse of alcohol and my Department is developing an Action Plan on Alcohol based on its recommendations. The issues are wide-ranging and there are many complexities involved which will require a collective approach across Government. To ensure that all views are taken on board, it has been decided that the matter will be brought to the Cabinet Committee on Social Policy in advance of proposals being drafted for Government.
1720. Deputy Kevin Humphreys
asked the Minister for Health
if the income for new-entrant general practitioners training has been cut by 20%, even though they are not entitled to specialist registrar status or salary; and if the out of hour allowance for general practitioners in their registry year has been abolished; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38210/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
Under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (FEMPI) Act 2009, a reduction in a range of GP fees and allowances was introduced in 2009 and 2010. General Practitioner (GP) trainees did not specifically receive a cut in salary, other than the salary reduction applied to all staff in 2010. In addition, new entrant interns are subject to the new entrant salary scale which has been reduced by 10%. The GP Trainee Allowance continues to be paid for existing GP trainees, but is not being paid to any new beneficiary with effect from 1st February 2012, pending the outcome of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform's Review of Allowances.
1721. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Health
when an eye test will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38225/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
1722. Deputy Joan Collins
asked the Minister for Health
the date on which the Expert Group on Abortion will issue their report to his Department; the date on which he will publish this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38234/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
The Expert Group on the A, B and C v Ireland judgment of the European Court of Human Rights is due to report back to me at the end of September. I will consider their report and subsequently submit it to Government. It is a matter for Government to make a decision as regards the publication of the report.
1723. Deputy Joan Collins
asked the Minister for Health
the names of any groups he has met or consulted with on the issue of abortion law or abortion law reform since he has taken office and the number of times he met each group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38235/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As the Deputy might be aware, I have met with representatives from a group called 'Terminations for Medical Reasons Ireland' on one occasion in June of this year. This group represents women and men whose babies were diagnosed with having fatal foetal abnormalities. I have not met with any other groups on this issue.
1724. Deputy Michael McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
if he will provide, for each county, the number of children aged up to 18 years of age who have received a diagnosis on the autism disorder spectrum from the Health Service Executive or a recognised service provider for each year since 2000 to 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38243/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1725. Deputy Joe McHugh
asked the Minister for Health
the number of personnel and the grades of these personnel in tabular form who are employed by the Health Service Executive within primary care, hospital and community services settings, in the following disciplines, health promotion, communication, consumer affairs, training and development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38247/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
1726. Deputy Joe McHugh
asked the Minister for Health
the current waiting lists that obtain in public hospitals in respect of the various medical disciplines; if he will compare these figures with the pertinent figures for 1 September 2011 and 1 September 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38248/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
1727. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Health
his views on the fact that a half a million home help hours have already been cut and that he now propose to slash another 600,000 home help hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38257/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Question No. 1728 answered with Question No. 1512.
1729. Deputy Kevin Humphreys
asked the Minister for Health
if the recommendation by the National Substance Misuse Strategy Steering Group that drinks industry sponsorship of sport and other large public events should be phased out through legislation by 2016 applies to events created by the alcohol industry such as Arthur’s Day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38281/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
It is probable that when the National Substance Misuse Strategy Steering Group was phrasing this recommendation, large public events - such as that mentioned by the Deputy - were within the scope of it.
1730. Deputy Joanna Tuffy
asked the Minister for Health
in view of the fact that Health Service Executive had to carry out a major recruitment drive for doctors outside of Ireland in response to a shortage of doctors in the HSE last year if he will give an update on this shortage; if he foresees similar shortages in future; if he has brought to the attention of Irish hospitals that provide clinical training for medical students and also to the attention to of the Department of Education and Skill that there is this shortfall and that there is a need to increase places to study medicine at colleges here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38283/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
In February 2012, the Health Service Executive launched a national centralised application process for Non Consultant Hospital Doctors (NCHDs). The purpose of the process was to generate sufficient numbers of qualified applicants for the July 2012 intake and for future intakes of NCHDs. This process is intended to provide a continual stream of suitable candidates to meet the demand in particularly challenging specialties such as Emergency Medicine and Psychiatry.
- Postgraduate training bodies are filling posts on training schemes
- Other external HSE-funded initiatives (the most recent in South Africa)
1731. Deputy Joanna Tuffy
asked the Minister for Health
if he will provide an update on reports that 300 children were given the wrong vaccines at a GP practice (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38284/12]
:
Following a query from a service user, the HSE recently determined that childhood vaccinations given by one GP in the Newcastle area of County Dublin may not have been effective due to an issue with their administration. There were no known safety issues with the vaccines received previously by the children identified. However, as the children did not receive the vaccines in accordance with the vaccine licence and may not have full immunity from preventable diseases.
From HSE records available there were 290 children who may have been under-vaccinated.
1732. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
if he will support a matter regarding support for the Drugs Treatment Centre Board (details supplied) [38311/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
A moratorium is in place in relation to recruitment and promotion within the public service. While there is some flexibility in relation to filling posts in order to protect frontline services as far as possible, any such recruitment is subject to the normal public recruitment procedures including public advertising and a competitive selection process.
1733. Deputy Robert Dowds
asked the Minister for Health
the amount of money that is being received by the health service from the €100 charge for accident and emergency care in hospitals; and if he will provide figures of the percentage of those liable for the charge who fail to pay. [38335/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
The Health Service Executive has confirmed that the amount of Emergency Department income received by the HSE statutory and voluntary hospitals in 2011 was €16.4 million. Bad debts written off in 2011 as a percentage of income raised in 2011 was approximately 25%.
1734. Deputy Robert Dowds
asked the Minister for Health
if he will consider reducing or removing the €100 charge for accident and emergency care for those under the age of 18 years. [38336/12]
1735. Deputy Robert Dowds
asked the Minister for Health
if he will consider waiving or reducing the fees for accident and emergency care for children who suffer from conditions which necessitate regular attendance at hospital accident and emergency units. [38337/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1734 and 1735 together.
1736. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
his plans to cut services to disabled and senior citizens in 2012-2013 [38342/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As reflected in the Programme for Government, it is our policy intention to develop, insofar as possible, the specific services raised by the Deputy in the context of reforming our health and personal social services. However, this intention has to take account of all relevant factors such as evolving service priorities and resource availability overall. The position in relation to this year is subject to agreed changes to the HSE Service Plan 2012, and that relating to 2013 will be subject to the normal Budgetary process.
1737. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl
asked the Minister for Health
his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding a medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38345/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1738. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [38356/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1739. Deputy Jack Wall
asked the Minister for Health
if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare is covered by the GMS scheme while a decision is being made on their medical card appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38377/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1740. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38381/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38381/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Question No. 1741 answered with Question No. 1544.
1742. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Health
further to Parliamentary Question no 232 of 12 July 2012 when the full home care package will be granted in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38389/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As this is a service matter it has again been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1743. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Health
the number of children currently on a waiting list to be fitted with an insulin pump in the Health Service Executive North East region. [38397/12]
1744. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Health
the length of time children currently have to wait to be fitted with an insulin pump from when they first go on the waiting list. [38398/12]
1745. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Health
the average waiting time in each Health Service Executive region for children to be fitted with an insulin pump from when they first go on a waiting list. [38399/12]
1749. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Health
the number of children State wide on waiting lists to be fitted with insulin pumps [38408/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1743 to 1745, inclusive, and 1749 together.
1746. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh
asked the Minister for Health
if he will report on the crèche facilities in Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin, Dublin and and if he will confirm whether the crèche charges have been increased; and if so, the amount of this increase [38400/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
1747. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor
asked the Minister for Health
the annual health costs of substance misuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38406/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
A report of the National Substance Misuse Strategy Steering Group was published last February ; and it declared that the total cost to the State of alcohol related harm- in terms of health-care costs, crime cost, cost of lost economic output and alcohol-related road accidents - was €3.5 billion in 2007.
1748. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor
asked the Minister for Health
the annual costs of mental health to the State and the wider economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38407/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
Mental health services (including hospital, community and primary care) are provided by both the HSE and the private sector. In 2012, 5.3% of the Health Service Executive Budget (€707 million) will be spent on specialist mental health services. This is a lower percentage than in previous years as prior to 2012 the figures in the Revised Estimates for Public Services for Health Care Group Areas such as mental Health included an allocated share in relation to both pension and corporate costs, which are now shown separately. About 1 in 4 people will experience some mental health problems in their lifetime, approximately 90% of mental health problems are dealt with in primary care and some 30% of people who attend primary care have a mental health problem and expenditure on these services is not captured in this percentage.
A Report published in 2008 for the ntal Health Commission - The Economics of Mental Healthcare in Ireland (O'Shea and Kennelly) estimated the overall economic cost of mental health problems in Ireland at just over €3 billion in 2006 largely in lost employment / productivity and the cost of healthcare provision.
Question No. 1749 answered with Question No. 1743.
1750. Deputy Charlie McConalogue
asked the Minister for Health
the number of special needs assistants that were assigned by the Health Service Executive to children with special needs availing of the free pre-school year in 2011; the number that have been sanctioned by the HSE in respect of children with special needs availing of the free pre-school year from September 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38411/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1751. Deputy Charlie McConalogue
asked the Minister for Health
if the Health Service Executive is continuing to provide SNAs to all children with special educational needs availing of the free pre-school year from September 2012 [38412/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1752. Deputy Michael McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
the rationale behind the decision that gluten free products are to be no longer reimbursed under the drugs payment scheme and general medical scheme; the alternative arrangements he advises such patients should put in place if the cost of buying the products is prohibitive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38421/12]
1753. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
asked the Minister for Health
the number of medical card holders in County Donegal that require gluten-free foods. [38430/12]
1754. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
asked the
Question No. 1741 answered with Question No. 1544.
1742. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Health
further to Parliamentary Question no 232 of 12 July 2012 when the full home care package will be granted in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38389/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As this is a service matter it has again been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1743. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Health
the number of children currently on a waiting list to be fitted with an insulin pump in the Health Service Executive North East region. [38397/12]
1744. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Health
the length of time children currently have to wait to be fitted with an insulin pump from when they first go on the waiting list. [38398/12]
1745. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Health
the average waiting time in each Health Service Executive region for children to be fitted with an insulin pump from when they first go on a waiting list. [38399/12]
1749. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Health
the number of children State wide on waiting lists to be fitted with insulin pumps [38408/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1743 to 1745, inclusive, and 1749 together.
1746. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh
asked the Minister for Health
if he will report on the crèche facilities in Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin, Dublin and and if he will confirm whether the crèche charges have been increased; and if so, the amount of this increase [38400/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
1747. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor
asked the Minister for Health
the annual health costs of substance misuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38406/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
A report of the National Substance Misuse Strategy Steering Group was published last February ; and it declared that the total cost to the State of alcohol related harm- in terms of health-care costs, crime cost, cost of lost economic output and alcohol-related road accidents - was €3.5 billion in 2007.
1748. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor
asked the Minister for Health
the annual costs of mental health to the State and the wider economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38407/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
Mental health services (including hospital, community and primary care) are provided by both the HSE and the private sector. In 2012, 5.3% of the Health Service Executive Budget (€707 million) will be spent on specialist mental health services. This is a lower percentage than in previous years as prior to 2012 the figures in the Revised Estimates for Public Services for Health Care Group Areas such as mental Health included an allocated share in relation to both pension and corporate costs, which are now shown separately. About 1 in 4 people will experience some mental health problems in their lifetime, approximately 90% of mental health problems are dealt with in primary care and some 30% of people who attend primary care have a mental health problem and expenditure on these services is not captured in this percentage.
Question No. 1749 answered with Question No. 1743.
1750. Deputy Charlie McConalogue
asked the Minister for Health
the number of special needs assistants that were assigned by the Health Service Executive to children with special needs availing of the free pre-school year in 2011; the number that have been sanctioned by the HSE in respect of children with special needs availing of the free pre-school year from September 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38411/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1751. Deputy Charlie McConalogue
asked the Minister for Health
if the Health Service Executive is continuing to provide SNAs to all children with special educational needs availing of the free pre-school year from September 2012 [38412/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1752. Deputy Michael McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
the rationale behind the decision that gluten free products are to be no longer reimbursed under the drugs payment scheme and general medical scheme; the alternative arrangements he advises such patients should put in place if the cost of buying the products is prohibitive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38421/12]
1753. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
asked the Minister for Health
the number of medical card holders in County Donegal that require gluten-free foods. [38430/12]
1754. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
asked the Minister for Health
his plans to provide assistance to persons who were previously entitled to gluten-free products which are no longer available to medical card holders. [38431/12]
1773. Deputy Ciara Conway
asked the Minister for Health
if he will reconsider proposals that gluten free products will no longer be covered under the medical card scheme; the alternatives available to those who are affected by this change should it proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38652/12]
1793. Deputy Brendan Griffin
asked the Minister for Health
his views on a matter in relation to medical cards in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38821/12]
1801. Deputy Denis Naughten
asked the Minister for Health
if he will review the decision to withdraw gluten free products from the drug payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38871/12]
1813. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
asked the Minister for Health
if he will immediately reverse the decision to cease support for medical card holders with coeliac disease to obtain gluten-free products on prescription [38943/12]
1845. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
asked the Minister for Health
his plans to reverse the removal of gluten free products from the medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39202/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1752 to 1754, inclusive, 1773, 1793, 1801, 1813 and 1845 together.
1755. Deputy Joanna Tuffy
asked the Minister for Health
if he will provide details regarding the Health Service Executive's proposals to make savings of €37 million through cash and stock management initiatives; if these proposals include medical stocks; if so, the way he proposes to manage the situation in order that the services are not compromised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38433/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
The financial situation in the HSE continues to be extremely challenging. Intensive discussions are ongoing between my Department and the HSE in respect of the savings required in order to address the deficit. As part of these discussions, the Executive has indicated that savings of €37m are achievable through better cash and stock management. Each RDO is working closely with the National Directors of Integrated Services and Finance regarding the details of these proposals which are designed to maximise the potential savings within their cost containment plans while minimising the effect on front line services to the greatest extent possible.
1756. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Health
if there are loopholes which allow a pharmacist who has been struck off from practising as a pharmacist in the North to be allowed to work as a pharmacist in the South; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38452/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) is the statutory regulator for registered pharmacists and registered retail pharmacy businesses in Ireland under the Pharmacy Act 2007. The PSI does not regulate pharmacists in Northern Ireland and the relevant authority in that jurisdiction is the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (PSNI). It is possible to be registered as a pharmacist in Ireland with the PSI as well as with the PSNI or relevant authority in another country at the same time.
1758. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Health
the amount of money spent on an annual basis on education and training of staff in 2011 and to date in 2012; the number of staff that availed of each course; if he will provide a list of the courses staff undertook and the cost of each course per person. [38487/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
My Department spent €161,285.29 on Education and Training ( including seminars and conferences) in 2011 and €84,465.60 to date in 2012.
1759. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Health
further to Parliamentary Question No 146 of 15 March 2012 if he has commissioned a report in relation to an outbreak of Clostridium Difficile at a hospital (details supplied) in County Louth in 2010; if that report has been completed; if the report has been forwarded to him; the outcome and findings of that report; if any patient deaths were related or linked to the outbreak; and if so, the number of same; if the report will be made public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38503/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
The HSE commissioned a report into the outbreak of Clostridium difficile in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda. I understand that this report is not yet finalised. I am not in a position to comment on the contents of the report until such time as it has been presented to me.
1760. Deputy Paudie Coffey
asked the Minister for Health
the total number of reports that were commissioned by his Department from the years 2000-2004; if he will provide a list in tabular form of each report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38549/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
1761. Deputy Brendan Griffin
asked the Minister for Health
his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding flu vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38558/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1762. Deputy Brendan Griffin
asked the Minister for Health
the reason a medical card is being reviewed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38559/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
1763. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
asked the Minister for Health
the safeguards that are in place to ensure that those contracted by the Health Service Executive to provide residential care and home care are fully compliant with all employment legislation and regulations and that the statutory rights of their employees are fully vindicated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38560/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1764. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
asked the Minister for Health
if he will raise with the Health Service Executive the serious concerns raised by employees in a company (details supplied) regarding their working conditions, their rights as employees and the treatment of them by their employer. [38561/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
The Deputy’s question refers to staff working in a private nursing home. Neither my colleague the Minister for Health, nor the HSE, have any remit in relation to employment rights in this case. Employees in Ireland are entitled to receive certain basic employment rights. These are governed by a range of detailed employment legislation which covers issues such as pay, health and safety, working time and other relevant employment criteria. Accordingly, the Deputy’s question would appear to be more appropriate for consideration in the first instance by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation .
1765. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Health
if he will provide a detailed breakdown of the way the €130 million in cuts announced by the Health Service Executive in late August will affect the HSE North East region; the services that will be withdrawn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38562/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
The financial situation in the HSE continues to be extremely challenging. In the short term, to address the 2012 position, it has been agreed that cash limits will be imposed on agency, overtime and there will be more targeted management of absenteeism. In addition, travel and subsistence will be limited, and there will be more intensive management of stocks in order to better manage cash. Other measures are also being undertaken in order to achieve a balanced budget. These include the use of capital to fund revenue on a once-off basis and the transfer of Department funds to the HSE on a once-off basis. The HSE has been required to review all pay and non-pay savings targets with a view to further targeting all areas which do not compromise patient safety.
1766. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Health
the date on which he signed off on the decision to cut a further €130 million worth of services between September and the end of 2012; and if he will provide the timeline of events. [38563/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
The HSE is facing a very serious financial challenge and following a financial review of its National Service Plan which was submitted to the Board of the Executive in June, it was clear that it would have to make very significant additional savings over the course of the rest of the year. The June Performance Reports were considered by the Board and showed a net deficit of €295m. This report is published on the website of the Health Service Executive - www.hse.ie. Based on the rate of drawdown of its Vote, the HSE was forecasting a shortfall in Vote terms of approximately €500m by the end of the year if no action is taken. The Executive indicated that hospital activity, PCRS and retirements were significant factors contributing to the overrun.
1767. Deputy Brendan Griffin
asked the Minister for Health
if orthodontic treatment will be provided to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38581/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
1768. Deputy Joanna Tuffy
asked the Minister for Health
if he will provide details of the cost to the Health Service Executive for private beds in public hospitals each year; the amount of this cost that is recouped by the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38586/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
1769. Deputy Dan Neville
asked the Minister for Health
if he will outline the budget, including any allocations announced in the budget for A Vision for Change allocated to the the National Suicide Prevention Offiice [38594/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
The budget of the National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) is set by the Health Service Executive. In 2011, the total funding available nationally through the HSE for suicide prevention was about €9 million of which €4.1 million is administered by NOSP and is used to fund voluntary and statutory agencies delivering services in the area of prevention, intervention, postvention and research. e remaining €5 million is available regionally to fund Resource Officers for Suicide Prevention, Self-Harm Liaison Nurses in Hospital Emergency Departments and local suicide prevention initiatives. In 2012, an additional €3 million (part of the special allocation of €35m for mental health) has been made available to NOSP to implement suicide prevention initiatives in line with Reach Out.
Question No. 1770 answered with Question No. 1512.
1771. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
the supports that will be made available in respect of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 5 [38631/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1772. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
if he will provide an update on the long term care plan in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3 [38632/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Question No. 1773 answered with Question No. 1752.
1774. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding funding in respect of an organisation (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38661/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1775. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38672/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1776. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38673/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1777. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding supported housing in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1 [38678/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1778. Deputy Tom Fleming
asked the Minister for Health
the envisaged date for the opening of the new national ambulance control centre in Tallaght, Dublin 24; if he is satisfied that this new central headquarters will prove to be efficient and satisfactory service for County Kerry; if he will consider retaining the existing control centre at Kerry General Hospital, even on a temporary basis as a back up service in view of the fact that the local knowledge by staff in this control centre and the local knowledge at the community hospital bases will be invaluable in the introduction of the new system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38680/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
1779. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Health
the extent to which the currently available beds and facilities at St Brigid’s Nursing Home, Crooksling, County Dublin, are to be replaced by similar community based facilities at the new unit in Inchicore; the extent of fitting out costs; if such costs have been fully determined and provided for; if extra costs have been or are likely to be incurred in the course of transition and follow up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38684/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
During the period specified by the Deputy a total of 105 reports were commissioned by my Department. Details of these reports are set out in the tables below.
Many of the reports can be traced back to the development of services for cancer, cardiovascular health, health promotion and the subsequent evaluation of these strategies. A number of the reports deal with complex and ethical issues, for example, the Commission on Assisted Human Reproduction.
A strong feature of a number of the reports related to engagement in widespread public consultation. National and international expert advice are critical and vital components in the development of health strategy.
Reports Commissioned in 2000
Reports Commissioned in 2001
Reports Commissioned in 2002
Reports Commissioned in 2003
Reports Commissioned in 2004
1761. Deputy Brendan Griffin
asked the Minister for Health
his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding flu vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38558/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1762. Deputy Brendan Griffin
asked the Minister for Health
the reason a medical card is being reviewed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38559/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
1763. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
asked the Minister for Health
the safeguards that are in place to ensure that those contracted by the Health Service Executive to provide residential care and home care are fully compliant with all employment legislation and regulations and that the statutory rights of their employees are fully vindicated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38560/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1764. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
asked the Minister for Health
if he will raise with the Health Service Executive the serious concerns raised by employees in a company (details supplied) regarding their working conditions, their rights as employees and the treatment of them by their employer. [38561/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
The Deputy’s question refers to staff working in a private nursing home. Neither my colleague the Minister for Health, nor the HSE, have any remit in relation to employment rights in this case. Employees in Ireland are entitled to receive certain basic employment rights. These are governed by a range of detailed employment legislation which covers issues such as pay, health and safety, working time and other relevant employment criteria. Accordingly, the Deputy’s question would appear to be more appropriate for consideration in the first instance by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation .
The Deputy will be aware that, under the Health Act 2007, statutory responsibility is given to the Chief Inspector of Social Services, as part of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), for the independent registration and inspection of designated centres providing residential services for children, older people and people with disabilities. The Chief Inspector has the power to refuse to register, attach conditions to a registration, or cancel the registration of a designated centre in the event of non-compliance with relevant regulations or standards. It should be noted, in particular, that Standard 26 of the National Quality Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People in Ireland provides that "the health and safety of the resident, staff and visitor to the residential care setting is promoted and protected". Should the employees in this particular case have concerns about compliance with this Standard, or indeed with the general governance and management arrangements at the home, they may wish to pursue the matter with HIQA.
1765. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Health
if he will provide a detailed breakdown of the way the €130 million in cuts announced by the Health Service Executive in late August will affect the HSE North East region; the services that will be withdrawn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38562/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
The financial situation in the HSE continues to be extremely challenging. In the short term, to address the 2012 position, it has been agreed that cash limits will be imposed on agency, overtime and there will be more targeted management of absenteeism. In addition, travel and subsistence will be limited, and there will be more intensive management of stocks in order to better manage cash. Other measures are also being undertaken in order to achieve a balanced budget. These include the use of capital to fund revenue on a once-off basis and the transfer of Department funds to the HSE on a once-off basis. The HSE has been required to review all pay and non-pay savings targets with a view to further targeting all areas which do not compromise patient safety.
1766. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Health
the date on which he signed off on the decision to cut a further €130 million worth of services between September and the end of 2012; and if he will provide the timeline of events. [38563/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
The HSE is facing a very serious financial challenge and following a financial review of its National Service Plan which was submitted to the Board of the Executive in June, it was clear that it would have to make very significant additional savings over the course of the rest of the year. The June Performance Reports were considered by the Board and showed a net deficit of €295m. This report is published on the website of the Health Service Executive - www.hse.ie. Based on the rate of drawdown of its Vote, the HSE was forecasting a shortfall in Vote terms of approximately €500m by the end of the year if no action is taken. The Executive indicated that hospital activity, PCRS and retirements were significant factors contributing to the overrun.
1767. Deputy Brendan Griffin
asked the Minister for Health
if orthodontic treatment will be provided to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38581/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
1768. Deputy Joanna Tuffy
asked the Minister for Health
if he will provide details of the cost to the Health Service Executive for private beds in public hospitals each year; the amount of this cost that is recouped by the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38586/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
Since 1 January 2012 the charges for patients who choose to be treated on a private basis in public hospitals increased by between 3% and 5% depending on the category of hospital. The increase in charges is in keeping with the long-standing policy of moving towards recovering the full economic cost of providing treatment to private patients in public hospitals. The current 2012 charges are set out in the table below.
Table 1: 2012 Charges for Private Patients in Public Hospitals
Hospital Category | Private Accommodation | Semi-Private Accommodation | Day-care | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2012 | 2012 | 2012 | ||
| 1 | HSE Regional Hospitals, Voluntary & Joint Board Teaching Hospitals | €1,046 | €933 | €753 |
| 2 | HSE County Hospitals, Voluntary Non-Teaching Hospitals | €819 | €730 | €586 |
| 3 | HSE District Hospitals | €260 | €222 | €193 |
1769. Deputy Dan Neville
asked the Minister for Health
if he will outline the budget, including any allocations announced in the budget for A Vision for Change allocated to the the National Suicide Prevention Offiice [38594/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
The budget of the National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) is set by the Health Service Executive. In 2011, the total funding available nationally through the HSE for suicide prevention was about €9 million of which €4.1 million is administered by NOSP and is used to fund voluntary and statutory agencies delivering services in the area of prevention, intervention, postvention and research. e remaining €5 million is available regionally to fund Resource Officers for Suicide Prevention, Self-Harm Liaison Nurses in Hospital Emergency Departments and local suicide prevention initiatives. In 2012, an additional €3 million (part of the special allocation of €35m for mental health) has been made available to NOSP to implement suicide prevention initiatives in line with Reach Out.
Question No. 1770 answered with Question No. 1512.
1771. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
the supports that will be made available in respect of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 5 [38631/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1772. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
if he will provide an update on the long term care plan in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3 [38632/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Question No. 1773 answered with Question No. 1752.
1774. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding funding in respect of an organisation (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38661/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1775. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38672/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1776. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38673/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1777. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding supported housing in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1 [38678/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1778. Deputy Tom Fleming
asked the Minister for Health
the envisaged date for the opening of the new national ambulance control centre in Tallaght, Dublin 24; if he is satisfied that this new central headquarters will prove to be efficient and satisfactory service for County Kerry; if he will consider retaining the existing control centre at Kerry General Hospital, even on a temporary basis as a back up service in view of the fact that the local knowledge by staff in this control centre and the local knowledge at the community hospital bases will be invaluable in the introduction of the new system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38680/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
1779. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Health
the extent to which the currently available beds and facilities at St Brigid’s Nursing Home, Crooksling, County Dublin, are to be replaced by similar community based facilities at the new unit in Inchicore; the extent of fitting out costs; if such costs have been fully determined and provided for; if extra costs have been or are likely to be incurred in the course of transition and follow up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38684/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1780. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Health
if any assistance can be given in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38699/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1781. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Health
if he will honour the commitment in the Programme for Government to provide a compensation package to sufferers affected by Thalidomide.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38736/12]
1854. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
if he will support the Thalidomide Survivors in 2012 and 2013 in relation to compensation [39256/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1781 and 1854 together.
1782. Deputy John O'Mahony
asked the Minister for Health
when will a person (details supplied) in County Mayo, will receive an orthodontic appointment to have braces fitted; if a date will be given for when treatment will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38741/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply
1783. Deputy Sandra McLellan
asked the Minister for Health
if he will expedite an appointment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork who needs a hearing aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38743/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
1784. Deputy Brendan Griffin
asked the Minister for Health
his views on a matter regarding waiting lists for those holding a medical card (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38745/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
Under the current eligibility system the Health Service Executive makes available in-patient services and out-patient services, including consultant services, for persons with full and limited eligibility. Under the existing system, a patient may elect to be treated privately by the hospital consultant, whereupon the patient is liable for all consultant fees and hospital charges, if any. The relationship between a consultant and his private patient is a matter of private contract between the doctor and the patient. The Minister has no role in relation to this relationship. The Government is committed to implementing a comprehensive programme of health reform, the ultimate objective of which is to ensure equal access to healthcare based on need, not income. This objective will be achieved through a single-tier health service supported by universal health insurance.
1785. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
asked the Minister for Health
the number of persons in County Donegal and the number of persons in the Health Service Executive North West area who have sought inpatient detox service for opiate addictions; the number of persons in each of these areas who were referred to Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, for treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38754/12]
1786. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
asked the Minister for Health
the amount of funding allocated to rural Health Service Executive addiction services; the way this funding is used; the number of persons who engage with rural HSE addiction services broken down by county and HSE area; the number of persons who have sought an appointment with a doctor (details supplied) during each of the past five years; the number of persons who have received appointments with this doctor during each of the past five years; the average waiting time for appointments with this doctor; and the number of persons currently waiting to see this doctor for specialist assessment [38755/12]
1787. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
asked the Minister for Health
the amount of funding for services that support addiction rehabilitation including outpatient group therapy programmes and residential treatment programmes both provided and available in County Donegal [38756/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1785 to 1787, inclusive, together.
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
1788. Deputy Sandra McLellan
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding the future of St. Raphaels Hospital, Youghal, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38761/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1789. Deputy Sandra McLellan
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding the future of the Cottage Hospital, Youghal, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38762/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1780. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Health
if any assistance can be given in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38699/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1781. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Health
if he will honour the commitment in the Programme for Government to provide a compensation package to sufferers affected by Thalidomide.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38736/12]
1854. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
if he will support the Thalidomide Survivors in 2012 and 2013 in relation to compensation [39256/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1781 and 1854 together.
1782. Deputy John O'Mahony
asked the Minister for Health
when will a person (details supplied) in County Mayo, will receive an orthodontic appointment to have braces fitted; if a date will be given for when treatment will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38741/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply
1783. Deputy Sandra McLellan
asked the Minister for Health
if he will expedite an appointment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork who needs a hearing aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38743/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
1784. Deputy Brendan Griffin
asked the Minister for Health
his views on a matter regarding waiting lists for those holding a medical card (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38745/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
Under the current eligibility system the Health Service Executive makes available in-patient services and out-patient services, including consultant services, for persons with full and limited eligibility. Under the existing system, a patient may elect to be treated privately by the hospital consultant, whereupon the patient is liable for all consultant fees and hospital charges, if any. The relationship between a consultant and his private patient is a matter of private contract between the doctor and the patient. The Minister has no role in relation to this relationship. The Government is committed to implementing a comprehensive programme of health reform, the ultimate objective of which is to ensure equal access to healthcare based on need, not income. This objective will be achieved through a single-tier health service supported by universal health insurance.
1785. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
asked the Minister for Health
the number of persons in County Donegal and the number of persons in the Health Service Executive North West area who have sought inpatient detox service for opiate addictions; the number of persons in each of these areas who were referred to Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, for treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38754/12]
1786. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
asked the Minister for Health
the amount of funding allocated to rural Health Service Executive addiction services; the way this funding is used; the number of persons who engage with rural HSE addiction services broken down by county and HSE area; the number of persons who have sought an appointment with a doctor (details supplied) during each of the past five years; the number of persons who have received appointments with this doctor during each of the past five years; the average waiting time for appointments with this doctor; and the number of persons currently waiting to see this doctor for specialist assessment [38755/12]
1787. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
asked the Minister for Health
the amount of funding for services that support addiction rehabilitation including outpatient group therapy programmes and residential treatment programmes both provided and available in County Donegal [38756/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1785 to 1787, inclusive, together.
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
1788. Deputy Sandra McLellan
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding the future of St. Raphaels Hospital, Youghal, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38761/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1789. Deputy Sandra McLellan
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding the future of the Cottage Hospital, Youghal, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38762/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1790. Deputy Sandra McLellan
asked the Minister for Health
if he will expedite a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38773/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1791. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9 has to pay an extra €60 per month for their medication under the new regime [38791/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
1792. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
if he will respond to the issues raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding independent living [38793/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
The Report of the Value for Money (VFM) and Policy Review of the Disability Services Programme recommends a significant restructuring of the Disability Services Programme through:
Question No. 1793 answered with Question No. 1752.
1794. Deputy Michael McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
the intervention services that will be provided between now and the end of the year to a special needs person (details supplied) in County Cork [38826/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1795. Deputy Jack Wall
asked the Minister for Health
in view of the serious nature of the illness of the applicants child when will the medical card review of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare application be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38827/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
A medical card holder who genuinely engages with the review of their medical card should not have their entitlement withdrawn before that review is complete. As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
Question No. 1796 answered with Question No. 1511.
1797. Deputy Simon Harris
asked the Minister for Health
the number of home care packages and home help hours provided in County Wicklow; the number provided in 2009 and 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38844/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1798. Deputy Simon Harris
asked the Minister for Health
when he expects a primary care centre to be delivered in a town (details supplied) in County Wicklow; the current status of this project; the number of GP practices that have committed to joining this primary care centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38845/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1799. Deputy Simon Harris
asked the Minister for Health
the current status of the commitment in the Programme for Government to move towards personal budgets and a system of individualised funding for persons with disabilities; when it is expected to move towards this model; the consultation that has taken place between him and officials with disability groups, service users and service providers; when it is expected that this new system will be introduced; the savings, if any, it is expected that it will bring about; the research that has been undertaken to learn from best practice internationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38846/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
The Report of the Value for Money (VFM) and Policy Review of the Disability Services Programme recommends a significant restructuring of the Disability Services Programme through:
1800. Deputy Dominic Hannigan
asked the Minister for Health
if he will outline, in tabular form, both the number and the percentage of women and men on State boards under the aegis of his Department in each of the past ten years; if he will provide the most up-to-date figures available regarding the number and percentage of women and men on State boards under the aegis of his Department in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38859/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
The information requested is currently being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
Question No. 1801 answered with Question No. 1752.
1802. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Health
if he will provide details of his discussions with his counterpart in the six counties in relation to Lifford Community Hospital, County Donegal; the expected impact these discussions will have on the proposed closure of the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38874/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
My colleague Minister Reilly met with his Northern Ireland counterpart the Minister for Health, Public Health and Social Safety, Edwin Poots in July to discuss cross border services. This included discussions concerning the possibility of cooperation of services in community nursing homes between the two jurisdictions.
1803. Deputy Jack Wall
asked the Minister for Health
the reason home support hours have been withdrawn in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38877/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
The Health Service Executive has responsibility for the provision of home support hours. Accordingly I have arranged for this element of the Deputy's question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1804. Deputy Jack Wall
asked the Minister for Health
the reasons the medical profession will not accept medical card holders applications in regard to blood tests, warfin tests and so on and are charging for such; if he or his Department or any of the agencies under his control have been in contact with the Irish Medical Organisation regarding this issue or has there being any contact in resolving same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38879/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
Section 11 of the General Medical Services (GMS) GP Capitation Contract, which was introduced in 1989, provides that the medical practitioner shall provide for eligible persons, on behalf of the Health Service Executive, all proper and necessary treatment of a kind usually undertaken by a general practitioner and not requiring special skill or experience of a degree or kind which general practitioners cannot reasonably be expected to possess.
General Practitioners (GPs) who hold General Medical Services (GMS) contracts with the HSE must not seek or accept money from medical card or GP visit card holders for services covered under the GMS contract. In circumstances where the taking of blood is necessary to either: (a) assist in the process of diagnosing a patient; or
the GP may not charge the patient if they are eligible for free GMS services.
(b) monitor a diagnosed condition;
At my request, the HSE has written to all GMS GPs reminding them of their obligations under their contract in respect of services such as phlebotomy and advised them that charges should not be applied for such services.
The HSE is encouraging eligible patients who believe they have been inappropriately charged by a GP for routine phlebotomy services to seek a refund from the GP in question. Alternatively, they may wish to follow up with the HSE and the matter will be fully investigated. Formal complaints will be dealt with through the HSE's Consumer Affairs Service.
It is appreciated that because of the nature of the GP/patient relationship, it may be difficult for patients to make such complaints. Where public representatives are made aware of GPs charging GMS patients in error, they may wish to notify the HSE directly.
The Programme for Government provides for the introduction of a new GMS GP contract with an increased emphasis on the management of chronic conditions, such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. It is envisaged that the new contract, when finalised, will focus on prevention and will include a requirement for GPs to provide care as part of integrated multidisciplinary Primary Care Teams. Officials in my Department are in consultation with the HSE with a view to drawing up a new contract. The appropriate arrangements in relation to phlebotomy services and other such services will be considered as part of the new contract.
1805. Deputy Michael McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive an outpatient appointment to see a hospital consultant [38883/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1806. Deputy Jack Wall
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding an application for dental treatment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38888/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
1807. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Health
if and when a medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38890/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1808. Deputy Jack Wall
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding an appeal against the decision to refuse the renewal of their medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if while their appeal is being processed medical card cover has being extended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38896/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1809. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
asked the Minister for Health
the reason chronic Fybromyalgia is not a recognised medical condition in order for a person to receive illness benefit [38933/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the Long Term Illness Scheme.
1810. Deputy John O'Mahony
asked the Minister for Health
when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a decision on their application for a medical card; the reason for the delay in making a decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38934/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
1811. Deputy John O'Mahony Question No. 1801 answered with Question No. 1752. 1802. Deputy Pearse Doherty Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch): 1803. Deputy Jack Wall Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): 1804. Deputy Jack Wall Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall): (a) assist in the process of diagnosing a patient; or (b) monitor a diagnosed condition; the GP may not charge the patient if they are eligible for free GMS services. 1805. Deputy Michael McGrath Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly): 1806. Deputy Jack Wall Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall): 1807. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall): 1808. Deputy Jack Wall Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall): 1809. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall): 1810. Deputy John O'Mahony Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall): 1811. Deputy John O'Mahony Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
asked the
Written Answers Nos. 1801 - 1812
Hospital Closures
asked the Minister for Health
if he will provide details of his discussions with his counterpart in the six counties in relation to Lifford Community Hospital, County Donegal; the expected impact these discussions will have on the proposed closure of the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38874/12]
My colleague Minister Reilly met with his Northern Ireland counterpart the Minister for Health, Public Health and Social Safety, Edwin Poots in July to discuss cross border services. This included discussions concerning the possibility of cooperation of services in community nursing homes between the two jurisdictions. Home Help Service
asked the Minister for Health
the reason home support hours have been withdrawn in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38877/12]
The Health Service Executive has responsibility for the provision of home support hours. Accordingly I have arranged for this element of the Deputy's question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy. General Medical Scheme
asked the Minister for Health
the reasons the medical profession will not accept medical card holders applications in regard to blood tests, warfin tests and so on and are charging for such; if he or his Department or any of the agencies under his control have been in contact with the Irish Medical Organisation regarding this issue or has there being any contact in resolving same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38879/12]
Section 11 of the General Medical Services (GMS) GP Capitation Contract, which was introduced in 1989, provides that the medical practitioner shall provide for eligible persons, on behalf of the Health Service Executive, all proper and necessary treatment of a kind usually undertaken by a general practitioner and not requiring special skill or experience of a degree or kind which general practitioners cannot reasonably be expected to possess.Hospital Waiting Lists
asked the Minister for Health
when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive an outpatient appointment to see a hospital consultant [38883/12]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply. Dental Services
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding an application for dental treatment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38888/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.Medical Cards
asked the Minister for Health
if and when a medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38890/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.Medical Cards Appeals
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding an appeal against the decision to refuse the renewal of their medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if while their appeal is being processed medical card cover has being extended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38896/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.Long-Term Illness Scheme Applications
asked the Minister for Health
the reason chronic Fybromyalgia is not a recognised medical condition in order for a person to receive illness benefit [38933/12]
There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the Long Term Illness Scheme.Medical Cards
asked the Minister for Health
when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a decision on their application for a medical card; the reason for the delay in making a decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38934/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.Primary Care Services
asked the Minister for Health
the number of medical officers employed in the Primary Care Reimbursement Service to assess the medical card applications of applicants with medical problems; the number of days each medical officer spends in the Primary Care Reimbursement Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38935/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Question No. 1813 answered with Question No. 1752.
1814. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Health
if and when a medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38972/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1815. Deputy Joan Collins
asked the Minister for Health
the long term plan for Brú Choimhín; the reason the day care centre is not open on Fridays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39052/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1816. Deputy Dessie Ellis
asked the Minister for Health
his plans to cut funding for Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown, Dublin, over the next twelve months; the cuts that he envisages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39053/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
The funding pressures now being experienced in the health services mean that the acute sector must reduce its costs in order to deliver the agreed level of activity within the resources available to it. This means that we must concentrate on maximising efficiency and getting the best possible services for patients from the budgets available to us. However, this on its own is not sufficient. Activity levels in our acute hospitals have been running ahead of the levels set in the approved HSE Service Plan and therefore it is inevitable that activity levels must also be reduced. This will be a significant challenge, and in meeting it we must be flexible and responsive to service needs, in order to ensure that essential services are protected and that patient safety and quality remain paramount. In relation to the specific queries raised by the Deputy, as these are service issues they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
1817. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl
asked the Minister for Health
if an urgent review will be carried out on a decision to refuse a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39054/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1818. Deputy Simon Harris
asked the Minister for Health
if he will outline the hospital groups programme that was outlined by his Department on 11 June 2012, specifically the plans that have been made to further this project; the hospitals that are to be grouped together; the expected efficiencies that this programme will realise; the timetable for when these changes will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39055/12]
1819. Deputy Simon Harris
asked the Minister for Health
the progress made by a person (details supplied) and the Special Delivery Unit in introducing the hospital group's project plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39056/12]
1820. Deputy Simon Harris
asked the Minister for Health
when he envisages that the establishment of hospital groups will commence; the timescale he is working towards for the establishment of full independent hospital trusts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39057/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1818 to 1820, inclusive, together.
1821. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding a hospital appointment in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 [39059/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1822. Deputy John O'Mahony
asked the Minister for Health
when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a decision on their medical card application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39060/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Question No. 1823 answered with Question No. 1511.
1824. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
the actions that have been taken in relation to the consultants who have been identified as being outside the public private ratio specified in their contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39119/12]
1825. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
the number of consultants that are still in breach of the public private ratio specified in their contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39120/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1824 and 1825 together.
Question No. 1813 answered with Question No. 1752.
1814. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Health
if and when a medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38972/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1815. Deputy Joan Collins
asked the Minister for Health
the long term plan for Brú Choimhín; the reason the day care centre is not open on Fridays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39052/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1816. Deputy Dessie Ellis
asked the Minister for Health
his plans to cut funding for Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown, Dublin, over the next twelve months; the cuts that he envisages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39053/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
The funding pressures now being experienced in the health services mean that the acute sector must reduce its costs in order to deliver the agreed level of activity within the resources available to it. This means that we must concentrate on maximising efficiency and getting the best possible services for patients from the budgets available to us. However, this on its own is not sufficient. Activity levels in our acute hospitals have been running ahead of the levels set in the approved HSE Service Plan and therefore it is inevitable that activity levels must also be reduced. This will be a significant challenge, and in meeting it we must be flexible and responsive to service needs, in order to ensure that essential services are protected and that patient safety and quality remain paramount. In relation to the specific queries raised by the Deputy, as these are service issues they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
1817. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl
asked the Minister for Health
if an urgent review will be carried out on a decision to refuse a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39054/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1818. Deputy Simon Harris
asked the Minister for Health
if he will outline the hospital groups programme that was outlined by his Department on 11 June 2012, specifically the plans that have been made to further this project; the hospitals that are to be grouped together; the expected efficiencies that this programme will realise; the timetable for when these changes will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39055/12]
1819. Deputy Simon Harris
asked the Minister for Health
the progress made by a person (details supplied) and the Special Delivery Unit in introducing the hospital group's project plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39056/12]
1820. Deputy Simon Harris
asked the Minister for Health
when he envisages that the establishment of hospital groups will commence; the timescale he is working towards for the establishment of full independent hospital trusts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39057/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1818 to 1820, inclusive, together.
1821. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding a hospital appointment in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 [39059/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1822. Deputy John O'Mahony
asked the Minister for Health
when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a decision on their medical card application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39060/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Question No. 1823 answered with Question No. 1511.
1824. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
the actions that have been taken in relation to the consultants who have been identified as being outside the public private ratio specified in their contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39119/12]
1825. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
the number of consultants that are still in breach of the public private ratio specified in their contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39120/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1824 and 1825 together.
1826. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
the number of geriatric beds that have been lost in Nenagh and Roscrea, County Tipperary, for the years 2010, 2011 and to date 2012; if he will provide a breakdown by facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39121/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1827. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
the actions he will take to combat the increasing waiting list for respite in Thurles, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39122/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1828. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
if he intends to meet the commitment he made in relation to the Community Hospital of the Assumption, Thurles, County Tipperary, to reinstate the respite bends under Budget 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39123/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1829. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding development of the Galway Rehabilitation Centre, Merlin Park, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39124/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
I have arranged for the Deputy's question to be referred to the Health Service Executive Estates Directorate for investigation and a direct reply to the Deputy.
1830. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
if he will provide in tabular form a breakdown of consultants' hours in the public sector by specialty for the years 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39125/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
1831. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
his views on whether it is fair that patients who receive stitches in accident and emergency and who have paid their €100 have to pay a further fee to their GP to have them removed; his views on whether this should be regarded as the completion of the service started in the accident and emergency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39126/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
The A&E charge which is currently €100, is provided for by the Health (Out-Patient Charges) Regulations 1994 (as amended). The charge applies for the first visit of any episode of care at a designated accident and emergency or casualty department. The €100 A&E charge does not cover services provided by a GP. Where an individual qualifies for a medical card, GP services are provided without charge.
1832. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
when he will fill the place on the board of the Health Information and Quality Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39127/12]
1833. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
if new procedures and requirements to enter expressions with publicjobs.ie was followed in appointing new members to the Health Information and Quality Authority board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39128/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1832 and 1833 together.
Question No. 1834 answered with Question No. 1636.
1835. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
the measure that have been taken to introduce a universal information technology system to allow immediate access to patient records across the health service; the date on which this will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39130/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
I assume that the Deputy is referring to the concept of an EHR (Electronic Health Record) to enable patient information to be stored, accessed and shared in a secure environment by patients and authorised health server providers. The primary purpose of such records is the support of patient safety, improved quality of care, together with improved efficiency. They can also provide new and valuable opportunities for reform of the service delivery model.
1836. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
if home helps are being made redundant; if so, if he will provide in tabular form the number by county; the amount each will receive in redundancy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39131/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1837. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
if he has or intends to put the provision of home help and home care hours out to tender; the date on which this will happen; the length of time the process will take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39132/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Question No. 1838 answered with Question No. 1632.
1839. Deputy Terence Flanagan
asked the Minister for Health
when he is expecting the expert group to report to him regarding the ABC case; if the judgements handed down by the European Court of Human Rights are legally binding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39134/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As the Deputy might be aware, the Expert Group on the A, B and C v Ireland judgment of the European Court of Human Rights was due to report to government within six months of establishment by means of a written report. As the Expert Group was established in January 2012 the report would have been due to be submitted at the end of July.
The Expert Group has made very good progress and is currently in the process of finalising its report. However, the Group requested a short extension to the time limit it was given to complete its work. They expect their report will be completed and submitted to me by the end of September and I will subsequently submit it to Government.
As the Deputy will be aware, Article 46 of the European Convention on Human Rights states that “The High Contracting Parties undertake to abide by the final judgment of the Court in any case to which they are parties”. Ireland has signed and ratified this Convention and therefore Ireland is under a legal obligation to implement the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in A, B and C v Ireland .However, I would like to reassure the Deputy that the judgment of the European Court confirms that Article 40.3.3 of the Constitution is in conformity with the European Convention on Human Rights. The Court accepted that Article 40.3.3 of the Irish Constitution, as interpreted by the Supreme Court in the X case, provides that it is lawful to terminate a pregnancy in Ireland if it is established as a matter of probability that there is a real and substantial risk to the life, as distinct from the health, of the mother, which can only avoided by a termination of the pregnancy. This has not been altered by the judgment.
1840. Deputy Terence Flanagan
asked the Minister for Health
his plans to raise the price of a packet of cigarettes to cover the cost to the health service of patients with smoking related illnesses who use hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39140/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As the Deputy is aware smoking is the largest single cause of preventable mortality in Ireland, killing over 5,200 people every year. Evidence shows that pricing is a key tool in the efforts to control smoking and in particular preventing children and adolescents from taking up the habit. Earlier this year an international group of health economists and tobacco control experts (PPACTE) called for an increase in the taxation of all tobacco products as the most effective way to make them inaccessible to consumers. As you know this Government increased the excise duty on tobacco products in the last budget. The Tobacco Policy Review Group will be reporting to me in the near future and is considering the issue of excise duties on tobacco products. I am of the view that increasing tax on tobacco together with the strengthening of policy, services and programmes will be effective in reducing smoking prevalence in this country.
1841. Deputy Anne Ferris
asked the Minister for Health
the steps he is taking to ensure that State boards have at least 40% of each gender, as provided for in the Programme for Government; the percentage at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39155/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
The Government decision S21590E of March, 1995 regarding the appointment of women to State Bodies states that there is a requirement for a minimum of 40% of both men and women appointed as Ministerial representatives to all State Bodies. Although the overall membership of State boards under the aegis of my Department is well balanced, with 57% of the membership being male and 43% female, some individual boards do not have a balance of 40% of each gender. In so far as possible, when making appointments to such boards I will endeavour to ensure an appropriate balance between men and women.
1842. Deputy Seán Kenny
asked the Minister for Health
his plans to have a TV, radio and national print advertisement campaign to raise awareness of the D-Doc Service; if the Health Service Executive set the call out charges; if not, if the HSE will give approval if there is an increase in the call out charge; the locations at which the vehicles that are allocated for this services are located; the number of GP's involved; and if that number will be increased. [39187/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1843. Deputy Tom Fleming
asked the Minister for Health
if he will grant a discretionary medical card application as a matter of urgency in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39194/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1844. Deputy Brendan Griffin
asked the Minister for Health
if he will reinstate cardiac drugs for medical card holders in view of the life threatening implications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39197/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
Question No. 1834 answered with Question No. 1636.
1835. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
the measure that have been taken to introduce a universal information technology system to allow immediate access to patient records across the health service; the date on which this will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39130/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
I assume that the Deputy is referring to the concept of an EHR (Electronic Health Record) to enable patient information to be stored, accessed and shared in a secure environment by patients and authorised health server providers. The primary purpose of such records is the support of patient safety, improved quality of care, together with improved efficiency. They can also provide new and valuable opportunities for reform of the service delivery model.
1836. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
if home helps are being made redundant; if so, if he will provide in tabular form the number by county; the amount each will receive in redundancy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39131/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1837. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
if he has or intends to put the provision of home help and home care hours out to tender; the date on which this will happen; the length of time the process will take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39132/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Question No. 1838 answered with Question No. 1632.
1839. Deputy Terence Flanagan
asked the Minister for Health
when he is expecting the expert group to report to him regarding the ABC case; if the judgements handed down by the European Court of Human Rights are legally binding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39134/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As the Deputy might be aware, the Expert Group on the A, B and C v Ireland judgment of the European Court of Human Rights was due to report to government within six months of establishment by means of a written report. As the Expert Group was established in January 2012 the report would have been due to be submitted at the end of July.
1840. Deputy Terence Flanagan
asked the Minister for Health
his plans to raise the price of a packet of cigarettes to cover the cost to the health service of patients with smoking related illnesses who use hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39140/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As the Deputy is aware smoking is the largest single cause of preventable mortality in Ireland, killing over 5,200 people every year. Evidence shows that pricing is a key tool in the efforts to control smoking and in particular preventing children and adolescents from taking up the habit. Earlier this year an international group of health economists and tobacco control experts (PPACTE) called for an increase in the taxation of all tobacco products as the most effective way to make them inaccessible to consumers. As you know this Government increased the excise duty on tobacco products in the last budget. The Tobacco Policy Review Group will be reporting to me in the near future and is considering the issue of excise duties on tobacco products. I am of the view that increasing tax on tobacco together with the strengthening of policy, services and programmes will be effective in reducing smoking prevalence in this country.
1841. Deputy Anne Ferris
asked the Minister for Health
the steps he is taking to ensure that State boards have at least 40% of each gender, as provided for in the Programme for Government; the percentage at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39155/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
The Government decision S21590E of March, 1995 regarding the appointment of women to State Bodies states that there is a requirement for a minimum of 40% of both men and women appointed as Ministerial representatives to all State Bodies. Although the overall membership of State boards under the aegis of my Department is well balanced, with 57% of the membership being male and 43% female, some individual boards do not have a balance of 40% of each gender. In so far as possible, when making appointments to such boards I will endeavour to ensure an appropriate balance between men and women.
1842. Deputy Seán Kenny
asked the Minister for Health
his plans to have a TV, radio and national print advertisement campaign to raise awareness of the D-Doc Service; if the Health Service Executive set the call out charges; if not, if the HSE will give approval if there is an increase in the call out charge; the locations at which the vehicles that are allocated for this services are located; the number of GP's involved; and if that number will be increased. [39187/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1843. Deputy Tom Fleming
asked the Minister for Health
if he will grant a discretionary medical card application as a matter of urgency in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39194/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1844. Deputy Brendan Griffin
asked the Minister for Health
if he will reinstate cardiac drugs for medical card holders in view of the life threatening implications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39197/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
I presume the Deputy is referring to the recent announcement by the HSE that it is suspending certain products from the List of Reimbursable Items. The products in question have been identified both nationally and internationally as not being cost effective or being of lesser benefit to patients.
Question No. 1845 answered with Question No. 1752.
1846. Deputy Sandra McLellan
asked the Minister for Health
if he will expedite a surgical procedure in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39208/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1847. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett
asked the Minister for Health
if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin regarding dental surgery [39216/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
1848. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett
asked the Minister for Health
if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin [39217/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1849. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett
asked the Minister for Health
if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin [39218/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1850. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton
asked the Minister for Health
when a procedure will be arranged in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39225/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1851. Deputy Jerry Buttimer
asked the Minister for Health
the reforms and savings within his Department and Health Service Executive which have been delivered under the Croke Park Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39234/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
The Public Service Agreement (PSA) has enabled the health sector to progress reform and to respond to the healthcare needs of the population in an appropriate and sustainable manner. In particular, it has allowed health services to continue to be delivered, against a backdrop of ever-increasing budget and staffing reductions. Since its inception in 2010, the Public Service Agreement has helped the health sector to manage the reduction of staff numbers by over 7,000. In particular, it showed its value in enabling the health service to cope with the ‘ Grace Period’ exits. In the six months to the end of February 2012, almost 5,000 staff members retired from the health service and all key services including maternity, critical care, neonatal and essential social services were maintained without interruption. This was facilitated to a large degree by the flexibility provisions in the Agreement. During this time the response and co-operation of staff often went beyond the terms of the Agreement. Approximately 3,500 staff have been redeployed within the health services.
Local management across the health services have fundamentally reviewed their rosters to ensure that they are optimised for efficient delivery of services. An extended working day is now in place in hospital laboratory and radiography services. Staff are co-operating with clinical care changes in hospitals resulting in initiatives such as the Acute Medicine Programme saving 70,000 bed days and the Productive Theatre system, improving theatre utilisation by 90%. In recent days, significant reforms have been negotiated with hospital consultants' representatives also.
With regard to my Department, since the commencement of the Agreement in 2010, the focus has been, and continues to be, on improving our efficiency and re-aligning structures to make it possible to best deliver a significantly increased work programme with progressively reducing staff resources. The Special Delivery Unit has been established. Cross-stream reporting has been introduced into the Department. A number of agencies have been subsumed into the Department under the rationalisation of agencies programme. In addition, my Department provides an interim service to the Adoption Authority in respect of financial services pending the establishment of their own finance function. ICT services are also being provided to the Adoption Authority by my Department on a shared service basis. A shared service is also being provided to the Department of Children and Youth Affairs for their financial and ICT services. Clear guidelines and procedures in respect of the management of absenteeism have issued to all staff.
Full details in respect of the reforms and savings delivered within my Department and the wider health sector can be found on both my Department's website (www.doh.ie) and that of the national level implementation body (www.implementationbody.gov.ie)
1852. Deputy Michelle Mulherin
asked the Minister for Health
the support the Health Service Executive offers to persons who live a considerable distance from a hospital, and who have no means of transport to take them to an appointment at a hospital, who have to attend regular appointments; the criteria used to decide a patient's eligibility for any support from the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39238/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
1853. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
his views on the budget overrun in Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9; the action he will take; the services that will be impacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39252/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
The funding pressures now being experienced in the health services mean that the acute sector must reduce its costs in order to deliver the agreed level of activity within the resources available to it. This means that we must concentrate on maximising efficiency and getting the best possible services for patients from the budgets available to us. However, this on its own is not sufficient. Activity levels in our acute hospitals have been running ahead of the levels set in the approved HSE Service Plan and therefore it is inevitable that activity levels must also be reduced. This will be a significant challenge, and in meeting it we must be flexible and responsive to service needs, in order to ensure that essential services are protected and that patient safety and quality remain paramount.
Question No. 1854 answered with Question No. 1781.
1855. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
if the reports of parents in North Dublin, that public health nurses dealing with children between six months and 24 months have informed them that there is currently no public hearing testing service available for these children true; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39258/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
1856. Deputy Terence Flanagan
asked the Minister for Health
if he will provide the details surrounding the Health Service Executive health centre (details supplied) in County Wicklow; the ownership of the centre, land and property; the length of contract if the centre is currently being rented; the amount it is costing per annum for rental purposes or if the property is owned by the HSE and any other relevant provisions in the contract and status of the site; the persons envisaged to take over the site once the planned new primary care centre opens at another site in the town or if it will be sold after the opening of the new primary care centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39262/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
Management of the Health Service Executive property portfolio is a service matter. Therefore your question has been referred to the Executive for direct reply.
1857. Deputy Terence Flanagan
asked the Minister for Health
when he expects to make a decision regarding the National Children's Hospital; if the Mater site is still the favoured site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39263/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As you will be aware, I established an independent Review Group to consider the implications of the decision of An Bórd Pleanála, received on 23 February 2012, to reject the planning application for the proposed construction of a national paediatric hospital on the site of the Mater Misericordiae Hospital. The aim of the Review was to consider all the possible options for the earliest possible delivery of a new children's hospital. In June, the Group presented its report, to which I have been giving careful consideration and which I intend to bring to Government shortly.
1858. Deputy Billy Timmins
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding the moratorium on recruitment in the Health Service Executive and the effect this is having on dental services in Wicklow (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39269/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
The Government is committed to a reduction in public service numbers to 282,500 by 2015. This represents a reduction of 37,500, or 12% of staff, compared to 2008 levels. The health service must make an appropriate contribution to this reduction. In July of this year, the HSE introduced a pause on recruitment due to the serious budgetary situation being faced. The HSE has some flexibility in relation to the filling of exceptional posts. In addition, the Public Service Agreement allows the HSE to redeploy staff based on service need. Nevertheless, the overall target reduction in numbers must be met, which will undoubtedly pose a significant challenge.
1859. Deputy Pat Deering
asked the Minister for Health
when will Long Q - T Syndrome be seen as a disability that accepts that parents and carer's of young persons with this syndrome must take extra care and attention to their child [39294/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
The Minister does not classify specific medical illnesses or conditions as a disability. There are a number of definitions of disability that are used for particular purposes e.g. Disability Act, Education for Persons with Special Education Needs Act, Equal Status Act, the Census and qualifying criteria for income supports such as Domiciliary Care Allowance, Disability Allowance, Mobility Allowance etc. These definitions define disability in terms of an individual's functional ability in their environment rather than a medical diagnosis or condition.
1860. Deputy Joanna Tuffy
asked the Minister for Health
if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny with regard to a reduction in their home help hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39300/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
1851. Deputy Jerry Buttimer
asked the Minister for Health
the reforms and savings within his Department and Health Service Executive which have been delivered under the Croke Park Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39234/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
The Public Service Agreement (PSA) has enabled the health sector to progress reform and to respond to the healthcare needs of the population in an appropriate and sustainable manner. In particular, it has allowed health services to continue to be delivered, against a backdrop of ever-increasing budget and staffing reductions. Since its inception in 2010, the Public Service Agreement has helped the health sector to manage the reduction of staff numbers by over 7,000. In particular, it showed its value in enabling the health service to cope with the ‘ Grace Period’ exits. In the six months to the end of February 2012, almost 5,000 staff members retired from the health service and all key services including maternity, critical care, neonatal and essential social services were maintained without interruption. This was facilitated to a large degree by the flexibility provisions in the Agreement. During this time the response and co-operation of staff often went beyond the terms of the Agreement. Approximately 3,500 staff have been redeployed within the health services.
1852. Deputy Michelle Mulherin
asked the Minister for Health
the support the Health Service Executive offers to persons who live a considerable distance from a hospital, and who have no means of transport to take them to an appointment at a hospital, who have to attend regular appointments; the criteria used to decide a patient's eligibility for any support from the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39238/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
1853. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
his views on the budget overrun in Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9; the action he will take; the services that will be impacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39252/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
The funding pressures now being experienced in the health services mean that the acute sector must reduce its costs in order to deliver the agreed level of activity within the resources available to it. This means that we must concentrate on maximising efficiency and getting the best possible services for patients from the budgets available to us. However, this on its own is not sufficient. Activity levels in our acute hospitals have been running ahead of the levels set in the approved HSE Service Plan and therefore it is inevitable that activity levels must also be reduced. This will be a significant challenge, and in meeting it we must be flexible and responsive to service needs, in order to ensure that essential services are protected and that patient safety and quality remain paramount.
Question No. 1854 answered with Question No. 1781.
1855. Deputy Billy Kelleher
asked the Minister for Health
if the reports of parents in North Dublin, that public health nurses dealing with children between six months and 24 months have informed them that there is currently no public hearing testing service available for these children true; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39258/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
1856. Deputy Terence Flanagan
asked the Minister for Health
if he will provide the details surrounding the Health Service Executive health centre (details supplied) in County Wicklow; the ownership of the centre, land and property; the length of contract if the centre is currently being rented; the amount it is costing per annum for rental purposes or if the property is owned by the HSE and any other relevant provisions in the contract and status of the site; the persons envisaged to take over the site once the planned new primary care centre opens at another site in the town or if it will be sold after the opening of the new primary care centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39262/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
Management of the Health Service Executive property portfolio is a service matter. Therefore your question has been referred to the Executive for direct reply.
1857. Deputy Terence Flanagan
asked the Minister for Health
when he expects to make a decision regarding the National Children's Hospital; if the Mater site is still the favoured site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39263/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As you will be aware, I established an independent Review Group to consider the implications of the decision of An Bórd Pleanála, received on 23 February 2012, to reject the planning application for the proposed construction of a national paediatric hospital on the site of the Mater Misericordiae Hospital. The aim of the Review was to consider all the possible options for the earliest possible delivery of a new children's hospital. In June, the Group presented its report, to which I have been giving careful consideration and which I intend to bring to Government shortly.
1858. Deputy Billy Timmins
asked the Minister for Health
the position regarding the moratorium on recruitment in the Health Service Executive and the effect this is having on dental services in Wicklow (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39269/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall):
The Government is committed to a reduction in public service numbers to 282,500 by 2015. This represents a reduction of 37,500, or 12% of staff, compared to 2008 levels. The health service must make an appropriate contribution to this reduction. In July of this year, the HSE introduced a pause on recruitment due to the serious budgetary situation being faced. The HSE has some flexibility in relation to the filling of exceptional posts. In addition, the Public Service Agreement allows the HSE to redeploy staff based on service need. Nevertheless, the overall target reduction in numbers must be met, which will undoubtedly pose a significant challenge.
1859. Deputy Pat Deering
asked the Minister for Health
when will Long Q - T Syndrome be seen as a disability that accepts that parents and carer's of young persons with this syndrome must take extra care and attention to their child [39294/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
The Minister does not classify specific medical illnesses or conditions as a disability. There are a number of definitions of disability that are used for particular purposes e.g. Disability Act, Education for Persons with Special Education Needs Act, Equal Status Act, the Census and qualifying criteria for income supports such as Domiciliary Care Allowance, Disability Allowance, Mobility Allowance etc. These definitions define disability in terms of an individual's functional ability in their environment rather than a medical diagnosis or condition.
1860. Deputy Joanna Tuffy
asked the Minister for Health
if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny with regard to a reduction in their home help hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39300/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1861. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Health
if he is satisfied that he has succeeded in ensuring that persons with disabilities can be assured of the availability of personal assistance in the future, having particular regard to the recently expressed concerns that announcements which caused great anxiety and stress to people with disabilities; if he will ensure that such matters will not arise in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39307/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
My colleague, the Minister for Health, Mr. James Reilly T.D., has instructed the HSE to continue to provide services to people in receipt of personal assistant services in accordance with their needs. While savings have to be achieved out of the total disability budget of €1.4 billion per annum, the HSE has been requested to distribute adjustments across the sector, with a focus on cutting administration, training and travel costs and better cash management. The Minister has also asked the HSE to work with the non-statutory agencies to minimise the impact on services within the disability sector and to report regularly to the Minister on these measures. The application of these measures will be reviewed regularly to ensure that they are being applied as fairly and as sympathetically as possible.
1862. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Health
the extent to which the future location of the children's hospital remains to be decided; if the concerns of the general public and the recommendations of the various stakeholders are being adequately examined and weighed against the need to ensure that the location of the hospital and the quality and the extent of services to be provided there must be in line with children's needs and those of their parents; if he will ensure that the hospital will be located so as to present the easiest possible access from all vantage points; if he will indicate when he expects to be able to make a decision and or announcement on the issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39309/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As you will be aware, I established an independent Review Group to consider the implications of the decision of An Bórd Pleanála, received on 23 February 2012, to reject the planning application for the proposed construction of a national paediatric hospital on the site of the Mater Misericordiae Hospital. The aim of the Review was to consider all the possible options for the earliest possible delivery of a new children's hospital. The Review considered all the possible options having regard to: Government policy on the delivery of health services, including accessibility and paediatric services in particular and best clinical practice considerations; the cost and value for money considerations of the different options; the likely timelines associated with the different options; the implementation risks associated with the different options.
1863. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Health
if his attention has been drawn to the possible curtailment of the ambulance services throughout County Kildare arising from the need for budgetary constraints; if he is aware of a reduction in the extent of services available in north Kildare; if he will address the issue of reduced cover arising with the view to ensuring the continuation of an adequate and reliable service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39310/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
1864. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Health
if he is satisfied that the community based and supported services at Crooksling Nursing Home, County Dublin, will continue in the future; if he will ensure that the patients that have traditionally been accommodated there will continue to have their requirements met in the future and that notwithstanding the proposal to take overflow of patients from Tallaght Hospital, Dublin, he will ensure that the buildings requiring some minor refurbishment will be upgraded in order to accommodate the full complement of patients in accordance with tradition and thereby maximising the efficiency and patient staff ratios; if he will ensure that the ambulance service threreat is fully restored and that daycare facilities are maximised in accordance with his principles of community based and primary care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39311/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1865. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Health
the extent to which he can give his assurance that the full scale of services at Naas Hospital. County Kildare, will continue to be provided at the maximum, use and efficiency of theatres and all services thereat are provided and fully utilised thereby contributing to the efficiency and efficacy of the general health service system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39312/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
The funding pressures now being experienced in the health services mean that the acute sector must reduce its costs in order to deliver the agreed level of activity within the resources available to it. This means that we must concentrate on maximising efficiency and getting the best possible services for patients from the budgets available to us. However, this on its own is not sufficient. Activity levels in our acute hospitals have been running ahead of the levels set in the approved HSE Service Plan and therefore it is inevitable that activity levels must also be reduced. This will be a significant challenge, and in meeting it we must be flexible and responsive to service needs, in order to ensure that essential services are protected and that patient safety and quality remain paramount.
1866. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor
asked the Minister for Health
the nursing home facilities that are available to persons under sixty five years who are suffering dementia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39365/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch):
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1867. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Health
the number of State bodies that have been set up since 9 March 2011; the rationale behind these decisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39998/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
I can confirm that no Commercial or Non-Commercial State Agencies have been established by my Department since 9 March 2011.
1868. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Health
if he will provide a list of the payments made by the State to private land owners in 2010 and 2011 to acquire land for use in the public capital programme. [40011/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
Management of the Health Service Executive property portfolio is a service matter. Therefore your question has been referred to the Executive for direct reply. No payments have been made by my Department or the agencies under its remit to private land owners in 2010 and 2011 to acquire land for use in the Public Capital Programme.
Question No. 1869 answered with Question No. 1621.
1870. Deputy Gerald Nash
asked the Minister for Health
the number of appointments that have been made to positions available on the boards of semi-State companies and statutory agencies following public advertisement; if he will provide details of the names of persons who have been appointed under this initiative and the agencies on which they now sit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40035/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
The information requested is currently being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
1871. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
the position regarding a radio station (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37713/12]
1906. Deputy Tom Fleming
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
if he will acknowledge the work carried out over many years by both Valentia and Malin coast guard marine rescue coordination centres by confirming that both stations remain open and operational and fully resourced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37779/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1871 and 1906 together.
1872. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
if a learner driver who is involved in a serious or fatal collision while driving unaccompanied is fully compliant with the terms of their insurance policy; the implications for other road users if they may not be; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39170/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
Section 56 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 makes it compulsory for a person, other than an exempted person, driving a motorised vehicle to be covered by third party motor insurance. The terms and conditions of motor insurance policies are a contractual matter between the person insured and the insurer. Third party claims against any insured driver have to be met by the insurer under the terms of the EU Motor Insurance Directives which have been transposed into law in Ireland. Third party claims against an uninsured driver are the remit of the Motor Insurers Bureau of Ireland who are also subject to the terms of the EU Motor Insurance Directives. Third party claims for injury are unlimited while claims for damage to property are subject to a maximum of €1,120,000 per claim, whatever the number of victims.
1873. Deputy Eoghan Murphy
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
further to Parliamentary Question No. 33353/12, if he will consider the possibility of indenting footpaths where practicable to allow more space for cars to park, without disrupting the traffic flow on a road, and still allowing the use of footpaths. [37008/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
Local authorities currently have the power to indent pavements to allow for parking. In correspondence I have had with local authorities, including Dublin City Council, in regard to the issue of partial parking on pavements, I have pointed out that this option exists.
1874. Deputy Timmy Dooley
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
the date on which he intends to bring forward proposals in relation to changes to the penalty point regime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37229/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
The Review of the Irish Penalty Points System, which I published in June, contains recommendations for the adjustment in the level of penalty points for certain road traffic offences. I have asked the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications to examine the Review and provide me with comments on its recommendations by the end of this month. Once I have received the Committee's input, I will consider the adjustment of penalty points further and where necessary, make provision in the next Road Traffic Bill for the required amendments to the existing legislative provisions.
1875. Deputy Timmy Dooley
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
the position regarding the sports capital programme; when he expects to announce details of successful applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37230/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Michael Ring):
Under the 2012 Sports Capital Programme, over 2,350 applications for funding were received. This is the largest number of applications ever received under the Programme. Departmental officials are processing the applications and this process will take some time due to the volume of applications received. I expect to be in a position to announce the successful applicants later this year.
1876. Deputy Timmy Dooley
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
the share and number of Dublin buses compliant with the real time information displays; the number of complaints received regarding the system; if he is satisfied with the performance of the system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37231/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Alan Kelly):
Matters relating to the Real Time Passenger Information Project are in the first instance the responsibility of the National Transport Authority (NTA). I have referred the Deputy's letter to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
1877. Deputy Timmy Dooley
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
if he will list in tabular form all capital projects cancelled by his Department since he came to office; the associated projected cost of each project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37232/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
1868. Deputy Pearse Doherty
asked the Minister for Health
if he will provide a list of the payments made by the State to private land owners in 2010 and 2011 to acquire land for use in the public capital programme. [40011/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
Management of the Health Service Executive property portfolio is a service matter. Therefore your question has been referred to the Executive for direct reply. No payments have been made by my Department or the agencies under its remit to private land owners in 2010 and 2011 to acquire land for use in the Public Capital Programme.
Question No. 1869 answered with Question No. 1621.
1870. Deputy Gerald Nash
asked the Minister for Health
the number of appointments that have been made to positions available on the boards of semi-State companies and statutory agencies following public advertisement; if he will provide details of the names of persons who have been appointed under this initiative and the agencies on which they now sit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40035/12]
Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly):
The information requested is currently being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
1871. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
the position regarding a radio station (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37713/12]
1906. Deputy Tom Fleming
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
if he will acknowledge the work carried out over many years by both Valentia and Malin coast guard marine rescue coordination centres by confirming that both stations remain open and operational and fully resourced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37779/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1871 and 1906 together.
1872. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
if a learner driver who is involved in a serious or fatal collision while driving unaccompanied is fully compliant with the terms of their insurance policy; the implications for other road users if they may not be; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39170/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
Section 56 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 makes it compulsory for a person, other than an exempted person, driving a motorised vehicle to be covered by third party motor insurance. The terms and conditions of motor insurance policies are a contractual matter between the person insured and the insurer. Third party claims against any insured driver have to be met by the insurer under the terms of the EU Motor Insurance Directives which have been transposed into law in Ireland. Third party claims against an uninsured driver are the remit of the Motor Insurers Bureau of Ireland who are also subject to the terms of the EU Motor Insurance Directives. Third party claims for injury are unlimited while claims for damage to property are subject to a maximum of €1,120,000 per claim, whatever the number of victims.
1873. Deputy Eoghan Murphy
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
further to Parliamentary Question No. 33353/12, if he will consider the possibility of indenting footpaths where practicable to allow more space for cars to park, without disrupting the traffic flow on a road, and still allowing the use of footpaths. [37008/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
Local authorities currently have the power to indent pavements to allow for parking. In correspondence I have had with local authorities, including Dublin City Council, in regard to the issue of partial parking on pavements, I have pointed out that this option exists.
1874. Deputy Timmy Dooley
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
the date on which he intends to bring forward proposals in relation to changes to the penalty point regime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37229/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
The Review of the Irish Penalty Points System, which I published in June, contains recommendations for the adjustment in the level of penalty points for certain road traffic offences. I have asked the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications to examine the Review and provide me with comments on its recommendations by the end of this month. Once I have received the Committee's input, I will consider the adjustment of penalty points further and where necessary, make provision in the next Road Traffic Bill for the required amendments to the existing legislative provisions.
1875. Deputy Timmy Dooley
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
the position regarding the sports capital programme; when he expects to announce details of successful applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37230/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Michael Ring):
Under the 2012 Sports Capital Programme, over 2,350 applications for funding were received. This is the largest number of applications ever received under the Programme. Departmental officials are processing the applications and this process will take some time due to the volume of applications received. I expect to be in a position to announce the successful applicants later this year.
1876. Deputy Timmy Dooley
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
the share and number of Dublin buses compliant with the real time information displays; the number of complaints received regarding the system; if he is satisfied with the performance of the system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37231/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Alan Kelly):
Matters relating to the Real Time Passenger Information Project are in the first instance the responsibility of the National Transport Authority (NTA). I have referred the Deputy's letter to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
1877. Deputy Timmy Dooley
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
if he will list in tabular form all capital projects cancelled by his Department since he came to office; the associated projected cost of each project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37232/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
Following the capital review carried out across all Departments in 2011, the Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2012 - 2016: Medium Term Exchequer Framework published in November of that year sets out funding for transport capital projects for the period 2012 - 2016. This revised investment framework is a critical element of the Government strategy for achieving fiscal stability. Overall spending on transport capital will fall by over 40% from €1.5 billion in 2011 to €0.8 billion in 2016 and the priority over the next five years will be to restore and maintain existing transport infrastructure.
1878. Deputy Timmy Dooley
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
if he will refuse any application to raise clamping charges in view of the increased pressures already felt by motorists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37233/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
The current maximum declamping fee that may be charged by public authorities for parking offences on public land was set by statute in 1998 at £65 which, with the introduction of the Euro, converted to €80. I have received no formal application to have that fee increased.
1879. Deputy Dessie Ellis
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
if his attention has been drawn to the fact that taxi drivers renewing their licence are being stopped from working for extended periods due to delays in producing the new licence despite already having confirmed Garda clearance and received a receipt for payment from the National Transport Authority. [37234/12]
1880. Deputy Dessie Ellis
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
if his attention has been drawn to the fact that taxi drivers renewing their licence are being told by the National Transport Authority that the Carriage Office will give them documentation clearing them to drive while their new licence is being produced despite the fact that the Carriage Office deny this practice. [37235/12]
1882. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
the reason for the delay in issuing taxi ID to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7 when all background checks and paperwork with the Gardaí have been successful; the reason for the delay nationwide in issuing taxi ID to taxi drivers; his views on whether these delays may cause drivers to be out of work for a number of weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37237/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Alan Kelly):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1879, 1880 and 1882 together.
1881. Deputy Brendan Griffin
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
if he will consider extending driving licences to five years for persons over seventy years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37236/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
I do not propose to make the change suggested by the Deputy. I appreciate that there are indeed people who remain fit to drive for many years beyond the age of 70. However, there are, in my view, sound reasons for maintaining the current position under which those over 70 must renew their licences every 3 years.
1883. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
the number of agencies, authorities, boards, committees, working groups, tribunals, council services, task forces, agencies or other quangos set up by his Department since February 2011; the number abolished since then; the extra cost of quangos which were established; the savings from the abolition of quangos; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37253/12]
1884. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
the estimated cost of each quango in his Department; the amount expected to be saved from the mergers of quangos in his Department; the basis for this figure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37269/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1883 and 1884 together.
Since my appointment as Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, six Public Bodies have been merged or abolished. No new Public Bodies have been established.
The merger of Dublin Tourism with its parent body - Fáilte Ireland - is now complete, while Coaching Ireland is being subsumed into the Irish Sports Council. The Government decided in May 2012 that Shannon Development’s tourism functions should transfer to Fáilte Ireland. Planning and preparations for this transfer are underway.
Dundalk Port Company was merged with Dublin Port Company on 12 July 2011. Tralee and Fenit Harbour Authority transferred to the control of Kerry County Council with effect from 1 October 2011. Baltimore and Skibbereen Harbour and Kinsale Harbour transferred to the control of Cork County Council, while Arklow Harbour transferred to the control of Wicklow County Council, with effect from 1st January 2012. The Board of Harbour Commissioners ceased to exist in each case.The current intention is that the last remaining harbour under the auspices of my Department, Bantry Bay, will be transferred to a more appropriate governance framework over the course of the next year. My Department is also currently engaged in a review of ports policy which will, inter alia, consider the issue of port company restructuring.
The Public Service Reform Plan (http://reformplan.per.gov.ie/) sets out full details of all agencies, including those under the aegis of my Department, which are to be rationalised in 2012 and 2013 and also those which were subject to critical review. It is not possible to quantify the potential savings from rationalisation until the detailed arrangements in respect of each implementation have been worked through with the agencies in question.
The funding provided to agencies under the aegis of my Department is set out in the Revised Estimates for Public Expenditure 2012 and can be found on the Department of Public Expenditure and reform website (http://per.gov.ie/estpubexp2012/)
1885. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
the total amount spent on taxis by his Department since February 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37333/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
My Department has a contract with National Radio Cabs for the provision of taxi services which are invoiced on a weekly basis. From February 2011 to end of August 2012 the amount paid to National Radio Cabs was €14,990. In addition to this expenditure Officers travelling on official business both at home and abroad may, where justified, avail of taxi services for which the costs are reclaimed in travel claims which mostly include other travel and subsistence expenses. An accurate figure in respect of these amounts spent on taxis cannot be generated by our travel claims system.
1886. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
the number of press officers in his Department; the number of press officers in each agency under his auspices; the total cost of press officers in his Department and in agencies under his auspices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37349/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
There is one departmental press officer, who is employed at the Assistant Principal officer grade which is on a salary scale of €61,966 to €72,268. The total cost of press officers in the agencies under my Department is an operational matter for the agencies concerned. I have referred the Deputy’s query to the agencies concerned for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
1887. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
the total number of board appointees he has made since he came to office; the names, salaries and expenses of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37365/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
Full details of the procedures and appointments to the Boards under the aegis of my Department are available on the Department's website at http://www.dttas.ie/StateBoardMembership.aspx.
1888. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
if he will detail, in tabular form, the total photography costs for his Department since coming to office inclusive of costs incurred from use of the Ministerial allowance; the occasions for which photographers were booked; the photographers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion that a photographers was used; if there is a policy regarding the booking of photographers within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37381/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
It is the policy of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport that photography costs are kept to a minimum and services are provided in-house by staff. Where services are contracted, best value is sought and a number of quotes are obtained. Services are contracted out on an exceptional basis only. Photography costs for the Department for the period January-June 2012 are set out on the Department's website: http://www.dttas.ie/feature.aspx?id=79. The costs are broken down by date, purpose of event, photographer, whether a press conference or photocall was involved, and so on. Costs are updated on a quarterly basis for 2012. Details of all photography costs incurred by the Department during the period 2008-2011 are already published on my Department's website and are also available through the link listed above.
1889. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
if he will detail in tabular form, the total cost of providing entertainment for his Department since coming to office inclusive of costs incurred from use of the Ministerial allowance; the occasions for which entertainment was provided; the entertainers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion; if there is a policy regarding the booking of entertainers within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37453/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
My Department has not hired any entertainers since I came into office. The Department has no specific policy on the booking of entertainers but normal national procurement rules would apply.
1890. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
the amount spent on food and drink by his Department; if he will provide a breakdown of what this involved; the occasions on which food and drink was provided; those present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37469/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
Excluding payments made in relation to the provision of canteen services in my Department the amount spent on food and drink from January, 2012 to August, 2012 was €11,210. Over half of the expenditure relates to the provision of light refreshments for meetings held in my Department (tea, water, coffee, biscuits, etc). A Minister or Minister for State will only be present at a fraction of such meetings. For context, there are about 500 employees in the Department. As the occasions on which such refreshments are provided are extensive it is not possible to provide comprehensive details of the occasions or those present.
1891. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
the amount spent on hair and make-up by his Department since he came to office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37485/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
There has been no expenditure by my Department on hair and make-up since I came to office.
1892. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
1883. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
the number of agencies, authorities, boards, committees, working groups, tribunals, council services, task forces, agencies or other quangos set up by his Department since February 2011; the number abolished since then; the extra cost of quangos which were established; the savings from the abolition of quangos; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37253/12]
1884. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
the estimated cost of each quango in his Department; the amount expected to be saved from the mergers of quangos in his Department; the basis for this figure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37269/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1883 and 1884 together.
1885. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
the total amount spent on taxis by his Department since February 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37333/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
My Department has a contract with National Radio Cabs for the provision of taxi services which are invoiced on a weekly basis. From February 2011 to end of August 2012 the amount paid to National Radio Cabs was €14,990. In addition to this expenditure Officers travelling on official business both at home and abroad may, where justified, avail of taxi services for which the costs are reclaimed in travel claims which mostly include other travel and subsistence expenses. An accurate figure in respect of these amounts spent on taxis cannot be generated by our travel claims system.
1886. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
the number of press officers in his Department; the number of press officers in each agency under his auspices; the total cost of press officers in his Department and in agencies under his auspices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37349/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
There is one departmental press officer, who is employed at the Assistant Principal officer grade which is on a salary scale of €61,966 to €72,268. The total cost of press officers in the agencies under my Department is an operational matter for the agencies concerned. I have referred the Deputy’s query to the agencies concerned for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
1887. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
the total number of board appointees he has made since he came to office; the names, salaries and expenses of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37365/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
Full details of the procedures and appointments to the Boards under the aegis of my Department are available on the Department's website at http://www.dttas.ie/StateBoardMembership.aspx.
1888. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
if he will detail, in tabular form, the total photography costs for his Department since coming to office inclusive of costs incurred from use of the Ministerial allowance; the occasions for which photographers were booked; the photographers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion that a photographers was used; if there is a policy regarding the booking of photographers within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37381/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
It is the policy of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport that photography costs are kept to a minimum and services are provided in-house by staff. Where services are contracted, best value is sought and a number of quotes are obtained. Services are contracted out on an exceptional basis only. Photography costs for the Department for the period January-June 2012 are set out on the Department's website: http://www.dttas.ie/feature.aspx?id=79. The costs are broken down by date, purpose of event, photographer, whether a press conference or photocall was involved, and so on. Costs are updated on a quarterly basis for 2012. Details of all photography costs incurred by the Department during the period 2008-2011 are already published on my Department's website and are also available through the link listed above.
1889. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
if he will detail in tabular form, the total cost of providing entertainment for his Department since coming to office inclusive of costs incurred from use of the Ministerial allowance; the occasions for which entertainment was provided; the entertainers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion; if there is a policy regarding the booking of entertainers within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37453/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
My Department has not hired any entertainers since I came into office. The Department has no specific policy on the booking of entertainers but normal national procurement rules would apply.
1890. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
the amount spent on food and drink by his Department; if he will provide a breakdown of what this involved; the occasions on which food and drink was provided; those present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37469/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
Excluding payments made in relation to the provision of canteen services in my Department the amount spent on food and drink from January, 2012 to August, 2012 was €11,210. Over half of the expenditure relates to the provision of light refreshments for meetings held in my Department (tea, water, coffee, biscuits, etc). A Minister or Minister for State will only be present at a fraction of such meetings. For context, there are about 500 employees in the Department. As the occasions on which such refreshments are provided are extensive it is not possible to provide comprehensive details of the occasions or those present.
1891. Deputy Dara Calleary
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
the amount spent on hair and make-up by his Department since he came to office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37485/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
There has been no expenditure by my Department on hair and make-up since I came to office.
1892. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
the number and names of all special advisers, special press advisers, or any other type of Ministerial adviser in his Department; the name of the Minister / Minister of State to whom he reports; the salary of each advisor now; the salary of each advisor at the time they were appointed; if any salary increase was asked for; if this was granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37501/12]
1943. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
the names of special advisors for whom salary increases have been requested; the amount requested; the details of those granted increases and the amount by which they were increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40027/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1892 and 1943 together.
Minister Ring is advised by Mr. Paul Mc Grath. His appointment is on a pro bono basis.
1893. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
if he will provide detail in tabular form, the names of all external public relations and consultancy persons and organisations used by his Department for the years 2011 and 2010; the amount paid to each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37517/12]
1895. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
if he will detail in tabular form, the amount paid on external public relations and communications consultants since February 2011; the reason for the payment; the name of each organisation used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37550/12]
1896. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
if he will detail in tabular form, the amount paid to consultants since February 2011; the name of each organisation used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37566/12]
1899. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
the total amount spent since February 2011 on external reports commissioned by his Department, including payments from Ministerial allowances, details of the consultants employed and costs of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37630/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1893, 1895, 1896 and 1899 together.
1894. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
the gross annual salary costs for his private and constituency offices at present; the same figures for this time last year; and the same figures for any Ministers of State in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37534/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
Questions Nos. 1895 and 1896 answered with Question No. 1893.
1897. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
the political activities of each special adviser, special press advisers, or any other type of Ministerial adviser in his Department; if any of them were members of a political party; if so the parties to which they belonged; if any of them are or have been elected local authority members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37582/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
I have appointed special advisers to my office in accordance with the provisions of Section 11 of the Public Service Management Act 1997 which also sets out their functions within my Department. The terms and conditions of employment are set out in their respective employment contracts In that context, the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour forms part of their contract and the terms of the Ethics in Public Office and Standards in Public Office legislation also apply to their appointments.
1898. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
the amount spent by his Department on drivers and Ministerial transport since February 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37598/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
The amount spent by my Department on drivers and Ministerial transport from February 2011 up until 31 August 2012 is as follows:
Salaries for two drivers: €91,333.
Subsistence paid to two drivers: €12,046.
Salaries for two drivers: €93,723.
Subsistence paid to two drivers: €19,216.
Salaries for two drivers: €91,630.
Subsistence paid to two drivers: €21,446.
Question No. 1899 answered with Question No. 1893.
1900. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
his plans to resolve the situation regarding the lack of audible announcement on both DART and inter city rail services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37655/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
The issue raised is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann. I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
1901. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
the number of times in 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012 that penalty points will not be applied after a road traffic violation because the motorist involved did not hold an Irish driving licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37682/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
1902. Deputy Peter Mathews
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
when money will be provided to Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council to enable the Blackglen Road widening scheme to proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37691/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in its area, is a statutory function of each road authority in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993. Works on such roads are a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded are also a matter for the local authority.
1903. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
if he will support a mattter (details supplied) [37694/12]
1915. Deputy Peter Mathews
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the subvention made to CIÉ; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38168/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1903 and 1915 together.
1904. Deputy Nicky McFadden
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
when a decision will be made on the issue of Ireland's Public Service Obligation Services; the services that will be put out to tender among private bus companies; if he will comment on the possible savings for the State if PSO contracts were to be tendered to private companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37705/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
The issue raised by the Deputy is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) and I have referred the Deputy's question to the Authority for direct reply. He should advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within ten working days.
1905. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
if he will supply a list of all Labour Court recommendations that have been issued in respect of his Department and organisations under his aegis that have not been complied with in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37761/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
I wish to advise the Deputy that the Labour Court has not issued any specific recommendations in relation to my Department.
Question No. 1906 answered with Question No. 1871.
1907. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
if he will outline his policy under the Sustainable Transport Office in relation to the development of inter urban cycle routes and his views if these should be considered along bypassed national primary routes and the plans for County Laois under this plan and routes proposed to link midland towns to towns in Munster; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37783/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Alan Kelly):
The development of interurban cycle routes is being progressed through the National Cycle Network funding scheme. This scheme was launched in March 2012 with Local Authorities being invited to submit up to two project proposals for cycle route delivery in line with detailed assessment criteria. The exact routes submitted were entirely a matter for each Local Authority to decide. Over 50 applications for funding were received.
Funding for successful projects was announced in June, with a total of €7.032 million being allocated to fund 16 projects, each in a different Local Authority area. A wide variety of route types have been allocated funding, including canal tow path routes, routes along disused rail lines and routes which make use of bypassed national roads. While Laois County Council submitted two project applications, neither application was successful. A full list of funded projects is available at http://transport.ie/pressRelease.aspx?Id=566
1908. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
if he intends to re-open the Athenry to Tuam Railway line to passenger traffic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37803/12]
1909. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
if he intends to open the Athenry to Claremorris railway line to freight traffic in view of the recently announced plans for the Port of Foynes and the potential for freight carriage on this line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37804/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1908 and 1909 together.
The Government’s programme for the funding of capital projects to 2016 is set out in the "Medium Term Exchequer Framework 2012-16 ".
Due to the overall reduction in funding for transport infrastructure the priority to 2016 is to protect investment made to date and to maintain safety standards. The limited funding available over and above this priority will only be provided for projects which are affordable, meet overall transport objectives and deliver the best return in terms of economic recovery and job creation. Moreover the ability to operate profitably and without the need of any subsidy would also be a key consideration for any new rail projects or extensions.
Phase 2 of the Western Rail Corridor, Athenry to Tuam, is being deferred for consideration in 2015, in advance of the next Public Capital Programme. The extension of the Western Rail Corridor from Tuam to Claremorris, ie Phase 3, for either passenger of freight services can only be considered after Phase 2 is completed.
In relation to the railway line from Limerick to Shannon Foynes Port any proposal regarding re-opening is dependent on proposals from the private sector to fund the necessary investment. It is not proposed to fund any such re-opening from public funds, as no such funds are available. The same is true for the re-opening of other lines for the purposes of freight traffic.
1910. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
the position regarding recruiting persons with a disability; the number of persons currently employed in his Department; the number of persons with a disability that have been employed since 1 January 2011 to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37845/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
There are currently 466.94 staff employed in my Department (550 whole time equivalents), 5.1% of whom have a disability. Due to a moratorium on recruitment, no recruitment has been permitted into Government Departments since 1 January 2011.
1911. Deputy Paudie Coffey
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
in view of the proposed bid by the Irish Rugby Football Union for Ireland to host the Rugby World Cup in 2023 and in view of the fact that County Waterford has transportation links with the UK and the passenger port in Rosslare, County Wexford, which is linked to France is also in the region and the region has strong road and rail links between County Waterford and County Cork and Dublin, if there are any proposals to develop a sports stadium facility in the gateway city in the south east so that it would be part of such a bid and so that the south east region will not be the only region in the country to be excluded from such a bid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37994/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
The normal procedure in regard to the hosting of an international sporting event is that the Irish affiliate of the relevant governing body will bid to host the event in Ireland. In the case of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, any bid would be made by the IRFU. I have expressed my support to the IRFU for any bid that they decide to make.
1903. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
if he will support a mattter (details supplied) [37694/12]
1915. Deputy Peter Mathews
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the subvention made to CIÉ; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38168/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1903 and 1915 together.
1904. Deputy Nicky McFadden
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
when a decision will be made on the issue of Ireland's Public Service Obligation Services; the services that will be put out to tender among private bus companies; if he will comment on the possible savings for the State if PSO contracts were to be tendered to private companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37705/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
The issue raised by the Deputy is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) and I have referred the Deputy's question to the Authority for direct reply. He should advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within ten working days.
1905. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
if he will supply a list of all Labour Court recommendations that have been issued in respect of his Department and organisations under his aegis that have not been complied with in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37761/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
I wish to advise the Deputy that the Labour Court has not issued any specific recommendations in relation to my Department.
Question No. 1906 answered with Question No. 1871.
1907. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
if he will outline his policy under the Sustainable Transport Office in relation to the development of inter urban cycle routes and his views if these should be considered along bypassed national primary routes and the plans for County Laois under this plan and routes proposed to link midland towns to towns in Munster; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37783/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Alan Kelly):
The development of interurban cycle routes is being progressed through the National Cycle Network funding scheme. This scheme was launched in March 2012 with Local Authorities being invited to submit up to two project proposals for cycle route delivery in line with detailed assessment criteria. The exact routes submitted were entirely a matter for each Local Authority to decide. Over 50 applications for funding were received.
1908. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
if he intends to re-open the Athenry to Tuam Railway line to passenger traffic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37803/12]
1909. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
if he intends to open the Athenry to Claremorris railway line to freight traffic in view of the recently announced plans for the Port of Foynes and the potential for freight carriage on this line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37804/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1908 and 1909 together.
1910. Deputy Sean Fleming
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
the position regarding recruiting persons with a disability; the number of persons currently employed in his Department; the number of persons with a disability that have been employed since 1 January 2011 to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37845/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
There are currently 466.94 staff employed in my Department (550 whole time equivalents), 5.1% of whom have a disability. Due to a moratorium on recruitment, no recruitment has been permitted into Government Departments since 1 January 2011.
1911. Deputy Paudie Coffey
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
in view of the proposed bid by the Irish Rugby Football Union for Ireland to host the Rugby World Cup in 2023 and in view of the fact that County Waterford has transportation links with the UK and the passenger port in Rosslare, County Wexford, which is linked to France is also in the region and the region has strong road and rail links between County Waterford and County Cork and Dublin, if there are any proposals to develop a sports stadium facility in the gateway city in the south east so that it would be part of such a bid and so that the south east region will not be the only region in the country to be excluded from such a bid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37994/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
The normal procedure in regard to the hosting of an international sporting event is that the Irish affiliate of the relevant governing body will bid to host the event in Ireland. In the case of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, any bid would be made by the IRFU. I have expressed my support to the IRFU for any bid that they decide to make.
1912. Deputy Paudie Coffey
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
if he will indicate the initiatives and events that will be taking place in Waterford next year as a result of his Department's initiative the Gathering in order to attract and boost numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38037/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
The Gathering Team are currently holding a range of community meetings across the country to facilitate in the development of local and regional events. To date meetings have been held in a range of counties including Roscommon, Mayo, Clare, Kerry, Cavan, Leitrim, Carlow, Meath, Wicklow, Monaghan and Tipperary. Meetings have recently been announced for Waterford in Dungarvan on 1st October and in Waterford City on 2nd October. All the agreed events to date as well as those developed subsequent to the community meetings will appear on the website www.thegatheringireland.com . I have referred the Deputy's Question to Fáilte Ireland for further information and direct reply. He should advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within ten working days.
1913. Deputy Paudie Coffey
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
the plans he has in place to ensure that Waterford Regional Airport is utilised to its fullest potential in order that as many tourists as possible will use it throughout 2013 as part of the Gathering initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38038/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
I presented proposals for "The Gathering Ireland 2013" at the Global Irish Economic Forum last October. Fáilte Ireland is the lead agency for the implementation of the initiative and has put in place a Project Executive Team to implement it. Tourism Ireland has specific responsibility for promoting The Gathering in overseas markets and has also provided staff for the Project Team.
1914. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
if he will consider the very genuine concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38152/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
The licensing of operators for the carriage of goods for hire and reward using heavy goods vehicles is provided for in the Road Transport Acts and EU legislation. The licensing of operators engaged in the carriage of their own goods is the exception across the EU. I am aware that it is the case in Great Britain and more recently in Northern Ireland with the enactment of the Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act (Northern Ireland) 2010.
: Question No. 1915 answered with Question No. 1903.
1916. Deputy Finian McGrath
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
his views on a matter (details supplied) [38287/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
This question concerns the recent Ryanair takeover offer for Aer Lingus.
1917. Deputy John Paul Phelan
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
the arrangements in place or planned to ensure that the same standards are implemented by driver testers across the country to ensure that the large differences in test outcomes throughout the country does not continue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38367/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
Responsibility for the operation of the driver testing service is a matter for the Road Safety Authority (RSA). I have therefore referred the question to the RSA for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a reply has not been received within ten days.
1918. Deputy Peter Mathews
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
if any funding is available to a person (details supplied) who has set up a company to promote heritage sites, national monuments and architectural wonders here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38448/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
My Department’s role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national policy and it is not involved in the administration of tourism funding programmes.
1919. Deputy Gerry Adams
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
the amount of money spent on an annual basis on education and training of staff in 2011 and to date in 2012; the number of staff that availed of each course; if he will provide a list of the courses staff undertook and the cost of each course per person. [38493/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
The information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1920. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
his plans to include penalty points for learners driving unaccompanied in the Road Traffic Bill being drafted at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38541/12]
1921. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
his plans to include penalty points for learners driving without L plates in the Road Traffic Bill being drafted at present; the number of points that he plans to introduce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38542/12]
1923. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
his plans to introduce penalty points for learners in the current Bill, in line with the system in Northern Ireland that is three points if driving without a qualified driver and three points for non display of L plates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38544/12]
1925. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
the progress made of legislation to implement a full graduated driving licence system; the timetable for publishing this legislation; when he expects the new licensing system to be fully operational; the main heads of the bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38588/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1920, 1921, 1923 and 1925 together.
1922. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
his plans to enact section 54(c) of the 2010 Road Traffic Act giving learners only one point for driving unaccompanied, three points if contested in court, and no points for learners driving without L plates; if so, if he will explain the way this will work without first enacting section 44 of Road Traffic Act 2010 which will ensure that the current loophole does not continue whereby drivers are getting their cases struck out in court by claiming that they did not receive their notice of fine and points in post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38543/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
My reply to Dáil Question No. 684 from the Deputy refers. In the context of the overall review of the penalty points system, I am considering bringing the offence of non-display of an 'L' plate within the scope of the penalty point system, though such a measure would require primary legislation. Furthermore, my officials are also in consultation with the relevant stakeholders, including the Department of Justice and Equality and the Gardaí, regarding the commencement of section 44 of the 2010 Act. I expect to receive an update on those consultations shortly.
Question No. 1923 answered with Question No. 1920.
1924. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
if he will report on the Road Safety Authority's role as the National Driver Licensing Authority; if the local authorities now have no function in driver licensing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38587/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
Following a review of the driver licence function, and with the introduction of a new plastic card licence in mind, the Government decided that the driver licence function should be centralised and operated by the Road Safety Authority (RSA). The Road Safety Authority (Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness) Act 2012, enacted earlier this year, provides for the Road Safety Authority (RSA) to be the national authority for driver licensing.
Question No. 1925 answered with Question No. 1920.
1926. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
if he is considering any new measures in terms of enhanced security to protect commuters and staff on public and private transport services in view of the vulnerable position, in particular, of staff and if he is considering any new legislative measures to make it a specific offence to target public and private transport operators. [38589/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
The safety and security of passengers and staff including arrangements to deal with anti-social behaviour is a matter for the relevant transport operators in conjunction, as appropriate, with the Gardai. I have referred the Deputy's question to the Railway Procurement Agency and CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
1927. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of taxi drivers/owners arising from the proposed charges affecting the sector; his plans to alleviate concerns that taxi drivers/owners have in regards to such plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38637/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
The focus of the Taxi Regulation Review was to achieve a balanced set of reforms that would allow consumers to have confidence in the taxi system while also ensuring that legitimate and competent operators and drivers would be rewarded fairly by operating under a regulatory framework that is adequately enforced.
1928. Deputy Charlie McConalogue
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
the date on which he will announce the beneficiaries of the sports capital grant programme 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38719/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Michael Ring):
Under the 2012 Sports Capital Programme, over 2,350 applications for funding were received. This is the largest number of applications ever received under the Programme. Departmental officials are processing the applications and this process will take some time due to the volume of applications received. I expect to be in a position to announce the successful applicants later this year.
1929. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
the resources available for community organisations aiming to organise a Gathering in their locality. [38828/12]
1920. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
his plans to include penalty points for learners driving unaccompanied in the Road Traffic Bill being drafted at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38541/12]
1921. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
his plans to include penalty points for learners driving without L plates in the Road Traffic Bill being drafted at present; the number of points that he plans to introduce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38542/12]
1923. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
his plans to introduce penalty points for learners in the current Bill, in line with the system in Northern Ireland that is three points if driving without a qualified driver and three points for non display of L plates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38544/12]
1925. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
the progress made of legislation to implement a full graduated driving licence system; the timetable for publishing this legislation; when he expects the new licensing system to be fully operational; the main heads of the bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38588/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1920, 1921, 1923 and 1925 together.
1922. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
his plans to enact section 54(c) of the 2010 Road Traffic Act giving learners only one point for driving unaccompanied, three points if contested in court, and no points for learners driving without L plates; if so, if he will explain the way this will work without first enacting section 44 of Road Traffic Act 2010 which will ensure that the current loophole does not continue whereby drivers are getting their cases struck out in court by claiming that they did not receive their notice of fine and points in post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38543/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
My reply to Dáil Question No. 684 from the Deputy refers. In the context of the overall review of the penalty points system, I am considering bringing the offence of non-display of an 'L' plate within the scope of the penalty point system, though such a measure would require primary legislation. Furthermore, my officials are also in consultation with the relevant stakeholders, including the Department of Justice and Equality and the Gardaí, regarding the commencement of section 44 of the 2010 Act. I expect to receive an update on those consultations shortly.
Question No. 1923 answered with Question No. 1920.
1924. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
if he will report on the Road Safety Authority's role as the National Driver Licensing Authority; if the local authorities now have no function in driver licensing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38587/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
Following a review of the driver licence function, and with the introduction of a new plastic card licence in mind, the Government decided that the driver licence function should be centralised and operated by the Road Safety Authority (RSA). The Road Safety Authority (Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness) Act 2012, enacted earlier this year, provides for the Road Safety Authority (RSA) to be the national authority for driver licensing.
Question No. 1925 answered with Question No. 1920.
1926. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
if he is considering any new measures in terms of enhanced security to protect commuters and staff on public and private transport services in view of the vulnerable position, in particular, of staff and if he is considering any new legislative measures to make it a specific offence to target public and private transport operators. [38589/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
The safety and security of passengers and staff including arrangements to deal with anti-social behaviour is a matter for the relevant transport operators in conjunction, as appropriate, with the Gardai. I have referred the Deputy's question to the Railway Procurement Agency and CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
1927. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of taxi drivers/owners arising from the proposed charges affecting the sector; his plans to alleviate concerns that taxi drivers/owners have in regards to such plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38637/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
The focus of the Taxi Regulation Review was to achieve a balanced set of reforms that would allow consumers to have confidence in the taxi system while also ensuring that legitimate and competent operators and drivers would be rewarded fairly by operating under a regulatory framework that is adequately enforced.
1928. Deputy Charlie McConalogue
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
the date on which he will announce the beneficiaries of the sports capital grant programme 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38719/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Michael Ring):
Under the 2012 Sports Capital Programme, over 2,350 applications for funding were received. This is the largest number of applications ever received under the Programme. Departmental officials are processing the applications and this process will take some time due to the volume of applications received. I expect to be in a position to announce the successful applicants later this year.
1929. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
the resources available for community organisations aiming to organise a Gathering in their locality. [38828/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
It is not envisaged that direct funding or grants will be provided for ‘The Gathering Ireland 2013’ events on the ground except for selected and targeted major events and festivals. Rather, this is an opportunity for individuals and communities to play a part by encouraging additional overseas visitors to Ireland in 2013.
• A brochure advising on how to organise a Gathering;
• Brand and promotional materials to help organisers promote their events; and
• Images of Ireland and Gathering logos for use in printed or online publicity for an event.
1930. Deputy Dominic Hannigan
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
if he will outline, in tabular form, both the number and the percentage of women and men on State boards under the aegis of his Department in each of the past ten years; if he will provide the most up-to-date figures available regarding the number and percentage of women and men on State boards under the aegis of his Department in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38865/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
The Department was established in its current form on 1st April 2011 and details of Board Membership of all the agencies under the aegis of the Department are provided on my Department's website at http://www.dttas.ie/StateBoardMembership.aspx .
The percentage of male and female Board Members currently stands at 26.25% women and 73.75% men.
1931. Deputy Robert Dowds
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
if he will provide an update on plans to open Kishogue railway station, Lucan, County Dublin. [39050/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. Following the establishment of the National Transport Authority (NTA) on December 2009, the implementation and development of infrastructure projects in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), such as Kishogue train station, comes under the remit of the NTA. The legislative basis for this is Section 11(1)(e) of the DTA Act 2008 "Principal Functions of Authority - The principal functions of the Authority are to secure the provision of public transport infrastructure". Noting this I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days
1932. Deputy John Lyons
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
if he will provide an update on proposed legislation to regulate the vehicle clamping industry; the date on which this legislation will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39051/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government to regulate the vehicle clamping industry, I presented a discussion document to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Environment, Transport, Culture and the Gaeltacht in December 2011 in which I outlined the principal issues to be addressed in regulating the industry, my proposals on the shape of appropriate legislation and invited their views. The Committee responded to me on 28th March in a comprehensive report which contained a number of recommendations, many of which will be reflected in the resulting legislation.
1933. Deputy Terence Flanagan
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
if his attention has been drawn to concerns that the European Aviation Safety Agency is advocating longer working / flying hours limits for pilots and crew in the development of new legislation and in doing so is ignoring scientific research it had commissioned, the findings of which were published in the Moebus Report in January 2009, which pointed to tightening the limits on the amount of time a pilot should be able to fly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39143/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
The Deputy's question relates to the flight time limitations of air crews.
1934. Deputy Robert Dowds
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
if the legal responsibility for ensuring that a truck or goods vehicle is not overloaded rests with the driver of the vehicle, the operator, or both; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39145/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
Road Traffic Law places the onus on the owner/operator of a vehicle to ensure that he/she does not operate an overloaded vehicle in a public place. Specifically under the general provisions (referred to in Article 96) of S.I. 190 of 1963 the owner/operator must ensure that:
1935. Deputy Anne Ferris
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
the steps he is taking to ensure that State boards have at least 40% of each gender, as provided for in the Programme for Government; the percentage at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39161/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
The commitment in the Programme for Government is to have at least 40% of each gender on State boards. Since my appointment as Minister in March 2011 the percentage of women on State Boards under the aegis of my Department has risen from 21.3% to 26.3%.My intention is to continue to work towards progressing the commitment in the Programme for Government in the context of future appointments to State boards for which I have responsibility.
1936. Deputy Seán Kenny
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
if he will list all projects planned under the Transport 21 programme; the projected and actual cost of each project and if each project was delivered. [39185/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
The information requested by the Deputy is being compiled and will be forwarded as soon as possible.
1937. Deputy Brendan Griffin
asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport
his views on the penalties that the Taxi Regulator imposes on taxi drivers for relatively minor offences; his plans to review the workings of the Taxi Regulator; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39215/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar):
The matter of the penalties for taxi offences was examined as part of Taxi Regulation Review last year. The Review in its final report considered that the current regulations which have established a single financial penalty level of €250 for certain specified breaches of the current industry regulations were not appropriate and were resulting in very minor infringements incurring the same fine as more significant violations.